Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Emmanuel Victor Smith, has paid tribute to the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, describing her as the person who introduced him to politics and shaped his career in public service.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Ambassador Smith said news of her passing came as a shock, as he was unaware she had been unwell.

“The news was shocking. Someone woke me up around 4 a.m. to confirm if it was true, and after a few calls to the family, I initially thought it wasn’t. Later, I received confirmation, and it was heartbreaking,” he recounted.

He described Mrs. Rawlings as a disciplined and visionary leader who inspired those who worked with her to strive for excellence.

“She had so much discipline in her, and when you worked with her and were a goal-getter, it helped you grow. She was the one who brought me into politics. I cannot forget her impact on me,” he said.

Ambassador Smith recalled how his relationship with Mrs. Rawlings began while he was studying in Wales, where he often shared his thoughts on governance with her before eventually joining her team at the Office of the First Lady.

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement and Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady, passed away on Thursday, October 23.

She is remembered as a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, education, and social justice.