Former First Lady Rebecca Akuffo-Addo has paid her heartfelt tribute to Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, saying she was a trailblazer, visionary and tireless advocate for women’s rights.
As Ghana’s former First Lady, she boldly took steps to empower women through education, leadership and opportunity. Her work with the 31st December Women’s Movement gave countless women a voice and a path to productive livelihoods”.
In a statement, Mrs Akuffo-Addo said, “Nana Konadu was a constant participant in my annual International Women’s Day programme, lending her support and voice to advocate for equity, equality and inclusion for women. She strongly believed that gender should not be a barrier to one’s contribution to national development”.
Nana Konadu’s courage, strength and devotion to equality continue to inspire generations to dream boldly and lead fearlessly.
Though she has departed, her legacy of empowerment and service will forever live on in the hearts of those she uplifted.
Samira Bawumia
The wife of Former Vice President, Samira Bawumia, on her part, said, “I’m deeply saddened to learn about the unfortunate passing of Her Excellency Mrs Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Former First Lady and Founder of the National Democratic Party (NDP).
Mrs Rawlings was an inspirational figure who fiercely championed women's empowerment in Ghana. She will be fondly missed.
May God grant her a peaceful rest and strengthen her children and the entire family”.
Aglow International, a global Christian organisation, also joined the nation in mourning the passing of the former First Lady.
Aglow International
A statement issued by the National President of Aglow International, Dorothy Danso, and on behalf of the organisation’s National Executive and entire membership paid tribute to the late former First Lady and President of the 31st December Women’s Movement, describing her as a trailblazer, visionary and tireless advocate for women’s empowerment and national development.
She expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of the former First Lady.
“Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was a woman of purpose and passion whose life and work profoundly transformed the lives of countless Ghanaian women.”
Mrs Danso extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and assured them of Aglow’s continued prayer support during this difficult period.
“On behalf of the entire Aglow family, we pray that God, the Comforter, will console and strengthen the bereaved family, her children and all who mourn this great woman,” she said.
“May the Almighty grant them peace, and may her legacy of service, courage and empowerment continue to shine brightly in the hearts of women across Ghana and beyond.”
AWLN
Also, the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Ghana Chapter, says it received, with deep sorrow, the news of the passing of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, former First Lady.
In a statement signed by its Chairperson, Dr Charity Binka, it said that as Ghana’s First Lady for about 19 years, she remained visible till the very end, adding that Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings made an indelible impact on the nation’s social and political landscape.
She led Ghana’s delegation to the United Nations Conference on Women held in Beijing 30 years ago and championed the Girl Child Education as one of the outcomes of the Conference.
As a visionary leader and tireless advocate for women’s empowerment, she led transformative initiatives through the 31st December Women’s Movement, uplifting the lives of countless women and children across Ghana.
It said her work advanced access to education, health care and economic opportunities, particularly for women in rural communities.
Beyond her role as First Lady, Nana Konadu was an astute politician, becoming the first woman in Ghana to establish and lead a political party, the National Democratic Party (NDP), saying that her boldness and determination to participate actively in the country’s democratic process reflected her lifelong belief in women’s equal right to leadership and participation in governance.
It said her passing was a great loss to Ghana, to Africa and to all who value women’s advancement.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the government and people of Ghana, and especially to the Rawlings family, as we honour the life and legacy of a true trailblazer.
May her remarkable contributions continue to inspire generations to come, and may her soul rest in perfect peace.
AA Coalition
The Affirmative Action Coalition, on its part, said, “We join in mourning the late Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings”.
The group said Nana Konadu did a lot in promoting policies and laws on women's and children’s rights.
In 1998, she pushed for a cabinet memo on Affirmative Action, leading to the setting up of the Girl Child Education Unit of the Ghana Education Service and policies in public universities.
This, the coalition said, formed the basis of the decision to push for a law.
