 |
| Image:X |
Ghana is mourning the loss of one of its most prominent political figures, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, the former First Lady and wife of the country’s longest-serving leader, Jerry John Rawlings. She passed away on Thursday morning, October 23, 2025, at the age of 76, after a brief illness.
Her death marks the end of an era for Ghana, as she was one of the most influential women in the country’s political and social history.
Nana Konadu was a highly respected women’s rights advocate and politician who made significant contributions to Ghana’s democratic and social development.
As the wife of the late Jerry Rawlings who led Ghana through two coups before becoming an elected president she played an active role in shaping the political landscape for decades.
Her influence extended far beyond her husband’s presidency, as she continued to champion causes related to gender equality, youth empowerment, and national unity.
Presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed her passing, saying the former First Lady died peacefully after a brief illness.
Following the announcement, tributes have poured in across social media and from political figures both within Ghana and abroad. Many described her as a courageous woman who stood firmly for justice, women’s empowerment, and democratic governance.
Later in the day, members of her family visited former President John Mahama to formally inform him of her passing.
Mahama, who leads the National Democratic Congress (NDC) the party founded by her late husband expressed deep sorrow and described her as “a mother of the nation whose contributions to Ghanaian politics will never be forgotten.”
In her honor, Ghana’s Parliament adjourned its session on Thursday, reflecting the nation’s collective grief and respect for the late stateswoman.
Flags across major public buildings were lowered, and plans are underway for a state funeral to celebrate her life and legacy.
Born in 1948, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was a trailblazer who helped shape modern Ghanaian politics.
Beyond her role as First Lady, she was the founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and children through education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
Her efforts in promoting women’s participation in leadership inspired generations of Ghanaian women to pursue political and social change.
She married Jerry John Rawlings in 1977, and their union produced four children, including Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, who currently serves as a Member of Parliament representing the Klottey Korle constituency under the NDC.
As Ghana prepares to bid farewell to one of its most iconic female figures, many are reflecting on her indelible mark on the nation’s history.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings will be remembered not just as the wife of a revolutionary leader, but as a revolutionary in her own right a woman whose voice, vision, and values reshaped the conversation on women’s rights and leadership in Africa.
Her death, coming five years after her husband’s, leaves a deep void in Ghana’s political and historical landscape. But her legacy rooted in courage, service, and empowerment — will continue to inspire the nation for generations to come.
#Ghana
#ViralContent
No comments:
Post a Comment