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Gov’t, ex-officials pay tributes to Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings

Source: Clara Seshie  
  24 October 2025 10:52am
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Tributes are pouring in from government officials and former leaders following the passing of Ghana’s former first Lady and founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.

The former First Lady passed away on Thursday, October 23, at the age of 76.

President John Dramani Mahama, in a Facebook post on Friday, expressed deep sorrow over her passing.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former First Lady and founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement, H.E. Mrs Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. Her legacy and dedication to empowering women and serving our nation will never be forgotten. Our heartfelt condolences go to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. May her soul rest in perfect peace,” he wrote.

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman on her X account said, "We mourn the passing of our former first lady, H.E. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. She was a true icon and will be remembered for her service to Ghana. My deepest condolences go to her children and family. I wish her peaceful rest."

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also paid tribute on X (formerly Twitter), describing Mrs Rawlings as a “role model for women in Ghana and across Africa,” noting that her advocacy for women’s empowerment “remains impactful to this day.”

Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia also expressed his condolences, highlighting Mrs Rawlings’ role as a trailblazer in women’s empowerment.

“Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings leaves behind a legacy defined by her unwavering commitment to the nation’s women and girls. She didn’t just speak about women’s rights; she mobilised a movement,” he said.

Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, described the late First Lady as “an iconic figure in Ghana’s political and social history.”

“She was a woman of courage, conviction and an unyielding commitment to the empowerment of women and the advancement of our nation,” he stated.

Another NPP flagbearer aspirant, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, said that Mrs Rawlings’ “legacy of service, women empowerment, and unwavering love for Ghana will continue to inspire generations.”

Former First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo also shared a heartfelt message, writing:

“My deepest condolences to the family and friends of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings in these difficult times. May her soul rest in peace.”

Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, wrote, “Rest in peace, former First Lady,” while Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah described her as “a formidable advocate and a true champion for women’s inclusion and gender parity.”

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, called her “a powerhouse in all your shades,” adding that Mrs Rawlings “left a lasting legacy in the fight for women’s and girls’ rights.”

Senior Presidential Aide to President John Dramani Mahama, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, celebrated her as “an exceptional woman whose extraordinary life will be remembered,” noting her distinctive style and lifelong commitment to women’s and children’s rights.

Several other politicians, including Patrick Boamah, Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, and the General Secretary of the NDC, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, also paid tribute.

Mr Kwetey described her as “a force of impact for women and children,” while Haruna Iddrisu said, “The nation mourns deeply the loss of former First Lady, Her Excellency Mrs Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. Our hearts go out to her immediate family during this sorrowful time.”

https://twitter.com/HarunaSpeaks1/status/1981389986315325446

Flagbearer aspirant of the NPP, Dr Bryan Acheampong, also mourned the late First Lady, saying:

“I’m saddened by the passing of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, our former First Lady. She championed women’s rights with distinction. My heartfelt condolences to her family and all who mourn. May she rest in peace.”

https://twitter.com/bacheampong_/status/1981617733344092479

Former Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, described her as “a great woman of courage, vision, and service.”

“Your legacy in women’s empowerment and national development will never be forgotten. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings,” he wrote.

https://twitter.com/HonDuker/status/1981631403411341362

Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, Peter Boamah Otokunor, in an X post, described the news as “very sad and debilitating,” adding that Ghana had lost “the mother of our Fourth Republic and the nation’s mother.”

https://twitter.com/potokunor/status/1981443044701344097

He said Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings “mentored and nurtured” his political journey from his school days, noting that many, including himself, were “products of her compassion, mentorship and love.” He extended his condolences to her children and family, praying that her “beautiful, vibrant soul rests in perfect peace.

Presidential Envoy, Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, also wrote, "....Her passion, discipline, and selfless service remain an inspiration to all who had the privilege to know her. My heartfelt condolences to the Rawlings family. May her soul rest in perfect peace."

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

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