Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings Passes Away at 76

Accra, Ghana — Ghana’s former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, has passed away at the age of 76, family sources have confirmed. According to those close to the family, she died in the early hours of Thursday, October 23, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra. As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Rawlings family or government representatives.

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was last seen publicly at the Forecourt of the Jubilee House, where she joined dignitaries to lay wreaths in honour of the eight public servants who died in a recent helicopter crash. She was also among those who attended the Dote Yie funeral rites for the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III — one of her final public appearances.

Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast, Central Region, she studied at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and later at the London College of Arts.

She was the wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings and served as First Lady of Ghana during two distinct periods briefly in 1979, and then for nearly two decades from 1981 to 2001. In 1982, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement, a pioneering grassroots organization that mobilized millions of women across Ghana and championed education, healthcare, and economic empowerment programmes. In 2016, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings made history as the first woman to run for the presidency of Ghana after founding the National Democratic Party (NDP). Her passing marks the end of an era in Ghana’s political and social history. She was widely recognized as a trailblazer for women’s rights, empowerment, and political participation.

Many Ghanaians have expressed shock at her sudden passing. Tributes continue to pour in from across the country, with mourners describing her as a formidable advocate for gender equality, social justice, and women’s empowerment. Her legacy endures through the thousands of community projects, preschools, and women’s networks she established under the 31st December Women’s Movement.

Officials from across the political spectrum are expected to issue formal statements and declare a national period of mourning.

This is a developing story. Details of funeral arrangements will be communicated once the family finalizes plans.”

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