Since its opening last Friday, the book of condolence for the former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, has seen a steady stream of dignitaries, penning profound words in it, with the latest batch of personalities including the Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman.
Others are members of the Council of State, ministers of state, including the former spokesperson of the former First Family, Kofi Iddie Adams, who is also the Minister of Sports; the Volta Regional Minister, James Ganu, who led a delegation of the National Democratic Congress from the Volta Region; Members of Parliament; the Governor of Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama; heads of state agencies, the clergy, and politicians.
Among the traditional leaders who paid tribute to the late Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings are the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Chairman of the National House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso, Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II, and the Paramount Chief of Nandom Traditional Area, Naa Prof. Edmund Delle Nminyem Delle, Chiir VIII.
Also seen commiserating were the National Chairman of the People’s National Congress (PNC), Sampson Asaki Awingobit, the President of Ghana Football Association, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku,
High profile personalities, representatives of corporate entities and others mourners also to express their condolences including the family of Dr Busia, minister of the gospel and former Minister of Information during the Rawlings regime, Rev. Joyce Aryee and children, the Melcom Group, classmates of the late Nana Konadu, and among others.
Vice-President
The Vice-President extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the late former First Lady, particularly her children.
She reassured the family of the nation’s solidarity with them during this difficult period.
“We are with you in this time of difficulty,” she said as she reflected on Nana Konadu’s remarkable life and contributions to the country’s development and the legacy.
“We all know who she was and the life she lived. I pray that her soul rests in perfect peace,” she prayed, and asked for strength for the family and the nation to continue her legacy.
The Vice-President was accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, ministers of state and other staff from her office.
Former Vice-President
The former Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, also led a delegation to commiserate with the family of the late former First Lady following her passing.
He was accompanied by his wife, Samira Bawumia, his former running mate in 2024 presidential election; former Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, other former ministers of state and members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
After signing the book of condolence, Dr Bawumia reflected on the profound loss of Nana Konadu and her contributions to Ghana.
“She was not just a person; she became an institution in the country. Her work for women, children and girls, including her initiatives like the Interstate Succession Law, has left a lasting impact,” he said.
Dr Bawumia recalled his personal relationship with the late former First Lady, describing her as a source of knowledge and guidance.
She took me like a son, and I had a lot of affection for her. Every time I spoke to her, I learned something. She was a repository of Ghana’s history, sharing things I didn’t know,” Dr Bawumia said.
He extended condolences to the children and family, saying “I want to wish you all the strength to bear this loss. God knows best.”
Ga Mantse
The Ga Mantse paid tribute to the memory of Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings.
Speaking through a representative, he described the late Nana Konadu as an asset to the nation and a symbol of empowerment for women and girls, particularly in the areas of education, health, and their integration into society.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru emphasised the importance of unity during moments of loss, referencing a traditional proverb: “Any time you hear wailing in your backyard, you have to go and find out what it is.”
He explained that this belief guided his decision to set aside other duties to personally extend his love and support to the family.
The Ga Mantse assured the family of support and asked for God's guidance to help them through their mourning.
