BREAKING NEWS: Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings Passes Away
By RawReporters News Desk | Accra, Thursday, October 23, 2025
Ghana has been thrown into mourning following the sudden demise of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, widow of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings. She passed away in the early hours of Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra, reliable family sources have confirmed to RawReporters.
Nana Konadu, aged 76, was born on November 17, 1948, and was widely celebrated as one of Ghana’s most influential women — a symbol of courage, political conviction, and women’s empowerment.
A Distinguished Life of Service
As Ghana’s First Lady from 1981 to 2001, Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings played a pivotal role in advancing the rights and welfare of women and children through the 31st December Women’s Movement, which she founded. Her advocacy led to increased female participation in national development and the introduction of key gender-focused policies that reshaped the country’s social landscape.
Political Trailblazer
Beyond her role as First Lady, Nana Konadu made history as the first woman to contest the presidency of Ghana, leading the National Democratic Party (NDP) — which she founded in 2012 after breaking away from the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Her courage to challenge the status quo cemented her reputation as a fearless and principled political leader.
National and Global Tributes
Since news of her passing broke, tributes have been pouring in from across the political divide, women’s groups, and international organizations. Former presidents, Members of Parliament, and civil society leaders have described her as “a matriarch of modern Ghana” and “a woman who stood for justice, equity, and empowerment.”
The Rawlings family is expected to release an official statement soon regarding funeral arrangements and related protocols.
A Nation in Mourning
Nana Konadu’s passing marks the end of an era — one defined by resilience, patriotism, and dedication to the Ghanaian cause. Her legacy will remain deeply woven into the nation’s democratic fabric and the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
May her soul rest in perfect peace.
— RawReporters Ghana
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picture source: my joyonline