Former Ghanaian First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings has died at the age of 76, the Ghanaian government confirmed in a statement yesterday. She passed away at Ridge Hospital in Accra.
The announcement, signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister of Government Communications, expressed the government’s “deep regret and profound sorrow” over her passing, describing her as a “trailblazer in women’s empowerment and social advocacy.”
Agyeman-Rawlings served as Ghana’s First Lady from 1981 to 2001, during the presidency of her late husband, Jerry John Rawlings — one of Ghana’s most influential leaders who first came to power through a coup before steering the nation toward democracy in 1992.
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During her two decades as First Lady, she became a formidable voice for women’s rights and political participation.
In 1982, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement (DWM), an organization that championed entrepreneurship, education, and leadership among Ghanaian women.
The movement played a pivotal role in reshaping gender policy and amplifying women’s representation in both local and national governance.
Her advocacy extended beyond social reform to active politics. Following her husband’s presidency, Nana Konadu founded the National Democratic Party (NDP) after parting ways with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), continuing her lifelong pursuit of gender equality and good governance.
Her husband, Jerry John Rawlings, who led Ghana from 1981 to 2001, remains credited with stabilizing the country and driving economic reforms that transitioned Ghana into a democratic era.
While his tenure was marked by both progress and controversy, his leadership — alongside Nana Konadu’s activism — left an indelible mark on Ghana’s political and social fabric.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings’ death marks the end of a defining chapter in Ghana’s modern history.
Her legacy as a pioneer of women’s empowerment, political reform advocate, and founder of one of Africa’s most influential women’s movements continues to inspire generations across the continent.
