Ghana’s Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings Dies at 76

Ghana mourns the passing of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, former First Lady, who died at the age of 76. Her death occurred after a short illness at Ridge Hospital in Accra, the capital of Ghana.

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings: A Legacy of Leadership

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings served as First Lady during two significant periods: from June to September 1979 and from December 1981 to January 2001. She was married to the late Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, a former president of Ghana. The Ghana Presidency has issued a statement expressing their deepest condolences to her family.

Family and Personal Background

Born in Cape Coast, Ghana, Nana Konadu was the third of seven children in a family with royal heritage from the Ashanti Kingdom. She attended prestigious schools, including Achimota School, where she met Jerry Rawlings. Her professional background included interior design before she ventured into politics.

Advocate for Women’s Empowerment

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings founded the 31st December Women’s Movement on May 15, 1982. This organization aimed to empower women in Ghana, particularly during times of national crisis. She was passionate about addressing the challenges faced by rural women, advocating for their rights, and supporting small businesses in agriculture and handicrafts.

• Responsibilities included influencing policies against child marriage and female genital mutilation.
• She promoted initiatives like cassava processing and vegetable farming.

Political Journey

In 2016, she became the first woman to contest the presidential election in Ghana through the National Democratic Party (NDP), after separating from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), founded by her late husband. Despite her efforts, she garnered only 6,549 votes in the 2020 elections, which saw Nana Akufo-Addo of the NPP win with 51.3% of the votes.

After these elections, she stepped away from active politics yet continued to attend state events as a former First Lady. Her contributions to Ghanaian society are significant, particularly in the realms of women’s rights and empowerment.

A Lasting Impression

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings is well-remembered for her fashion sense and signature styles, which highlighted Ghanaian fabrics. Her impact on the nation, especially through women’s advocacy, remains a crucial part of her legacy.