The Member of Parliament for Gushegu, Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli, has described the passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings as a “sad loss to our dear nation Ghana.”

According to sources close to the family, she passed away in the early hours of Thursday, 23 October, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra. She was born on November 17, 1948 in Cape Coast, Central Region.

Speaking to JoyNews' Kweku Asante, Mr Tampuli said he had initially refrained from commenting until official confirmation was received.

However, with widespread reports confirming the news, he expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the distinguished stateswoman.

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“I was actually not ready to speak until I got confirmation, but all over the media space I’m seeing that it’s confirmed. And it’s a very sad loss for our dear nation Ghana,” he remarked.

Reflecting on the coincidence of her passing five years after the death of her husband, former President Jerry John Rawlings, the Gushegu MP said Ghana had once again lost a figure of great influence and intellect.

“Five years down the line after losing former President J. J. Rawlings, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings is going to join her husband. With all her experience, exposure and political astuteness, I think Ghana is a loser,” he said.

Mr Tampuli recalled fond memories of seeing the late former First Lady at public functions, where she appeared full of life and dedication to national service.

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“The last outing I saw of her was at the funeral of the Asantehemaa, and later at a dinner where she sat next to former President J. A. Kufuor. She was bursting with life and looking forward to continuing to help our nation grow,” he recounted.

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, a trailblazer in Ghanaian politics and a leading advocate for women’s empowerment, served as First Lady from 1981 to 2001.

Mr Tampuli extended his condolences to the Rawlings family and the nation, noting that her legacy would continue to inspire generations.