Ghana’s former First Lady and prominent women’s rights advocate, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, has passed away at 76
She was the widow of Jerry John Rawlings, Ghana’s longest-serving leader, who d!ed five years ago. Rawlings led two military coups before being elected president twice under the country’s multiparty system.
Agyeman-Rawlings d!ed Thursday morning following a brief illness, presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed. Her family formally informed President John Mahama of her passing later that day. Mahama, leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) founded by Jerry Rawlings, paid tribute to her memory during the swearing-in of new High Court justices.
Born in November 1948 in Cape Coast, Agyeman-Rawlings came from a middle-class background and attended Achimota School in Accra, where she met her future husband. She later studied art and textiles at university, while Rawlings joined the Air Force, rising to flight lieutenant in 1978, a year after their marriage.
By the time Rawlings took power in 1979 at age 32, Nana Konadu had become one of his most trusted advisers. Together, they formed one of Ghana’s most influential and controversial political partnerships. The couple had four children, including their eldest, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, now an NDC member of parliament.
Throughout her life, Agyeman-Rawlings was a driving force for women’s rights. She helped shape national policy, including the 1989 law securing inheritance rights for women and children and the gender equality provisions in Ghana’s 1992 constitution, which ushered in multiparty democracy.
Ghana’s parliament adjourned in her honor, and tributes have flooded social media celebrating her as a pioneering politician and tireless advocate for women. Richmond Rockson, spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, described her as “an exceptional First Lady whose visionary leadership and strong organisational skills left an indelible mark on Ghana’s history.” He added, “She stood firmly by Chairman Jerry John Rawlings during the revolution, displaying courage, loyalty, and resilience at a defining moment in our nation’s journey. Her unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment led to the establishment of the 31st December Women’s Movement, which she led as president.”
Agyeman-Rawlings also sought political office, contesting the NDC’s presidential ticket in 2012. Through her 31st December Women’s Movement, named after the date of her husband’s second coup in 1981, she championed women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and community development.
Her legacy as a political figure and advocate for gender equality leaves a lasting imprint on Ghanaian society.
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