President John Dramani Mahama has declared three days of national mourning in memory of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.
A statement issued in Accra yesterday and signed by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said the mourning period which began yesterday would end tomorrow.
During the period, all national flags will fly at half-mast in public buildings, government institutions, and Ghana’s diplomatic missions worldwide, in honour of the late First Lady and her distinguished service to the nation.
The statement praised Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings for her dedication and commitment to Ghana’s development, particularly her advocacy in women’s empowerment, child welfare and social advancement.
“The government extends its deepest condolences to the family, her children, and all who mourn this irreplaceable loss. May her soul rest in perfect peace,” it concluded.
A book of condolence has been opened in the residence of Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings, the founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement and Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady, who passed on last Thursday at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge) at the age of 76, just 25 days to her next birthday.
She remains celebrated as a pioneer of women’s rights and social transformation, whose contributions continue to shape Ghana’s political and social landscape.
Presidency
Immediately after he was informed of her death last Thursday morning, President Mahama eulogised the stateswoman with a Facebook post, saying, “H.E. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings’ legacy and dedication to empowering women and serving our country will never be forgotten. RIP Madam.”
Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, led the government delegation
Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang expressed her heartfelt condolences to the immediate and extended families of Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings.
In a post on X yesterday, she described the late former First Lady as a “true icon” whose contributions to the country’s social and political landscape will be remembered for generations.
“We mourn the passing of our former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.
She was a true icon and will be remembered for her service to Ghana,” Professor Opoku-Agyemang said.
“My deepest condolences go to her children and family. I wish her peaceful rest.”
Visits
High-profile personalities and mourners from far and near are trooping to the Ridge residence of the former First Lady to commiserate with the family.
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former President, signing the book of condolence.
They include the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, who led a government delegation to commiserate with the former First Family; the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, who led a Parliamentary delegation; former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and his wife, Rebecca, and former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Mr Debrah led a delegation that included the Minister of Works and Housing, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Awutu Senya West, Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia and other executive members.
Also at the residence to commiserate with the family were former Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, international evangelist, Dr Lawrence Tetteh, the Metropolitan Chief Executive of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, and some members from the Korle Klottey Constituency, where the deceased first daughter, Dr Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings, is the MP.
Former President Akufo-Addo
Former President Akufo-Addo signed the book of condolence and paid glowing tribute to the memory of the woman known for her pioneering role in women’s rights advocacy and empowerment.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, signing the book of condolence.
The former President was accompanied by many of his former appointees, including former Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare; former Defence Minister, Dominic Ntiwul; former Minister for the Interior, Henry Quartey; former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor; former National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah, and former Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar.
Former President Akufo-Addo reflected on the long-standing personal relationship he had with Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings and said he felt compelled to pay his respects in person.
He also pledged support for the bereaved family and presented 150 packs of water.
Johnson Sirleaf
The former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, also expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family.
Akosua Frema Osei-Opare (2nd from right), former Chief of Staff, and former First Lady, Rebecca Akufo- Addo, consoling Dr Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings and the family members.
She described the late former First Lady as an extraordinary woman who set a remarkable example for women through her faith, commitment to God, and dedication to her country.
She said it was both a privilege and an opportunity to have met Nana Konadu several times during her lifetime.
The former president said the late First Lady’s legacy, was a symbol of strength and leadership.
“To all the family members, may God give you the strength to endure this loss.
This is a particularly important woman, not only for what she stood for in her life but also for the events she promoted and the example she set for women — strong in their faith and strong in their commitment to God and to country,” former Liberian President said.
The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, said Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings as a founding member of the NDC, she played a key role in the party’s early years, including using her personal resources to finance the activities and operations of the party, which had since produced two presidents; a testament to her sacrifices and contributions.
“I still recall coming to the home here with the late Justice D. F. Annan, supported by her husband, together with my colleagues who later formed the NDC Youth Forum,” Mr Iddrisu said.
Beyond politics, the Tamale South MP said her efforts in championing women’s empowerment, which resulted in her commissioning of a bread-baking facility in the Northern Region to support women.
