President Mahama leads Ghanaians to bid farewell to former First Lady

President John Dramani Mahama and his wife, First Lady Lordina, along with Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, on Friday led Ghanaians to bid farewell to the late former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings at a state funeral in Accra.

She was the Founder and President of the 31st December Women’s Movement and the wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings.

The state funeral, which took place at the Black Star Square, was attended by high-profile dignitaries such as former President John Agyekum Kufuor, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and his wife, Rebecca.

Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings died on October 23, 2025, at the age of 76.

President Mahama, in a tribute to the former First Lady read on his behalf by Mrs Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Advisor and Special Aide to the President, said Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings was a towering national figure whose influence, courage, and contributions to Ghana would continue to resonate for generations.

“Nana Konadu was far more than a former First Lady. She was a pioneering leader, an unwavering champion of women’s empowerment, a trailblazer in our political landscape, and a deeply committed patriot,” he said.

“Her life story is one defined by boldness — boldness to speak, to challenge, to lead, and to stand resolutely for what she believed was right for Ghana.”

He said as First Lady, Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings redefined the role and transformed it into a platform for national development.

He said through her inspirational leadership of the 31st December Women’s Movement, Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings expanded opportunities for women and girls, especially in rural communities where support was most needed.

President Mahama noted that she championed literacy programmes, reproductive and maternal health, early childhood education, and economic empowerment initiatives long before these became central themes in the national development agenda.

He reiterated that her work touched thousands of families and laid the groundwork for many of the gender-sensitive policies and social interventions that Ghana benefits from today.

The President said in public life, Nana Konadu was assertive, principled, and unyielding in her convictions.

He said she was never afraid to push boundaries or to stand alone when her conscience called her to do so.

He said yet, behind the determined public image, was a warm, engaging, humorous woman, devoted to her family and fiercely protective of those she loved.

“As a mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and mentor, she brought energy, clarity, and purpose to every space she occupied.”

President Mahama said Nana Konadu lived a life of service, courage, and deep conviction.

He said even in challenging moments of her national journey, she carried herself with dignity, always guided by her commitment to Ghana’s unity, progress, and stability.

The President said Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings believed passionately in the transformative power of women and the potential of young people, and she dedicated her voice and influence to help uplift them.

“Her passing is a profound loss, not only to her beloved family, to whom Lordina and I extend our heartfelt condolences, but also to our nation,” he stated.

He said her demise marked the closing of an important chapter in Ghana’s political and social history, even as her example continues to inspire generations to come.

He said as the nation bid farewell to Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings, it celebrated a life richly lived — a life of leadership, advocacy, service, and unbroken purpose, a life that challenged the nation to think boldly and to invest in the potential of its people, especially its women and children.

“On behalf of my family, on behalf of the National Democratic Congress, and on behalf of a grateful nation, I honour her memory,” the President said.

“May her beautiful soul rest in perfect peace, and may her legacy continue to guide us toward a more just, inclusive, and equitable Ghana,” President Mahama said.

Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings is survived by four children — Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, Yaa Asantewaa, Amina, and Kimathi — along with a number of grandchildren.