National Flags at Half-Mast as Ghana Mourns Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings

ACCRA, Ghana — In a profound mark of national respect, President John Dramani Mahama has declared three days of national mourning following the passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.

According to a statement released by the Presidency on Thursday, October 23, 2025, all national flags are to be flown at half-mast across Ghana and at its diplomatic missions abroad. The mourning period will commence on Friday, October 24, and conclude on Sunday, October 26.

The statement read: “This is in honour of her memory and in recognition of her distinguished service to our nation. Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings served Ghana with dedication and commitment, particularly in women’s empowerment, child welfare, and social development.”

It further added: “The government extends its deepest condolences to the family, her children, and all who mourn this irreplaceable loss.”

The esteemed politician and women’s rights advocate passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the age of 76. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was a pivotal figure in Ghana’s modern political history, serving twice as First Lady — first briefly in 1979, and later from 1981 to 2001 during the tenure of her late husband, Former President Jerry John Rawlings.

Beyond her role as First Lady, she was a trailblazing advocate for women’s empowerment and social justice. She founded the 31st December Women’s Movement, an organization that championed economic and educational opportunities for women across Ghana. Her political journey reached a historic milestone in 2016, when she became the first woman to contest for Ghana’s presidency, inspiring a new generation of women in leadership.

The declaration of national mourning underscores the country’s recognition of her monumental contributions to public service, democracy, and gender advocacy a legacy that continues to shape Ghana’s social and political landscape.

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