Akufo-Addo mourns Nana Konadu: Ghana has lost a trailblazer for women’s empowerment

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Her Excellency Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, describing her as a towering figure in the socio-political history and an enduring symbol of women’s empowerment across Africa.

In a heartfelt message, the former President noted that he and his wife, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, were “deeply saddened by the news of the untimely passing” of the wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings — the longest-serving Head of State and the first President of the Fourth Republic.

He described Mrs. Rawlings as “the longest-serving First Lady in Ghana’s history” and “a warm, affectionate woman with a good sense of humour.”

Nana Akufo-Addo paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Rawlings’ life-long dedication to advancing the rights and welfare of women through her work as founder and leader of the 31st December Women’s Movement, an organization that redefined women’s participation in social and economic development during the early years of Ghana’s Fourth Republic.

According to the former President, Nana Konadu’s “gender advocacy and women empowerment initiatives remain impactful to this day,” emphasizing that her legacy continues to inspire generations of Ghanaian and African women.

“Her commitment to the growth of the women’s movement in Ghana and Africa can never be forgotten,” he stated.

Mrs. Rawlings, who served as First Lady from 1981 to 2001, was instrumental in shaping policy dialogues on women’s rights and development during her husband’s tenure.

Through the 31st December Women’s Movement, she championed initiatives in literacy, health, microfinance, and political participation for rural women—efforts that positioned Ghana as a model for gender inclusion in governance.

Nana Konadu’s public life was marked by both admiration and controversy.

In 2011, she made history as the first woman to contest a major political party’s presidential primaries when she challenged the late Professor John Evans Atta Mills for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearership.

She later founded the National Democratic Party (NDP), cementing her place as one of Ghana’s boldest political pioneers.

Former President Akufo-Addo’s tribute reflected both personal grief and national loss.

“My wife Rebecca, my children and I, extend our deepest condolences to her children and family on this sad occasion,” he said, concluding with a prayerful message: “May her soul rest peacefully in the bosom of the Almighty, until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall meet again.”

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings’ death marks the end of an era for the political history — one defined by resilience, reform, and the relentless pursuit of equality for women.

Her passing follows that of her husband, Jerry John Rawlings, who died in November 2020, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly shaped the modern democratic journey.