Members of Parliament last Wednesday eulogised former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, describing her as an embodiment of courage, vision and an unwavering commitment to the empowerment of women and children.
“Her commitment to gender equality and empowerment opened new pathways for women's participation in national life and Ghana has lost an irreplaceable champion and Africa had lost a pioneering advocate,” they said.
Nana Konadu, who served as First Lady from 1979 and again from 1981 to 2001, passed on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the age of 76.
Flames
Leading the eulogy in a statement in memory of the former Frist Lady, the MP for Salaga South, Hajia Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, said “The flame she lit burns on in every woman who stands a little taller because of her work, in every child who dreams a little bigger because she proved it possible, in every policy that protects the vulnerable because she demanded it”.
She said when Nana Konadu founded the 31st December Women's Movement in 1982, she did not merely create an organisation but ignited a revolution at a time when women's voices were systematically excluded from national development.
She said the 31st December Women’s Movement established over 870 day care centres and pre-schools nationwide, liberating thousands of working mothers to pursue economic opportunities while ensuring their children received quality early education.
Social norms
Through the 31st December Women’s Movement, she said, the late Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings mobilised more than two million women across Ghana, transforming them from passive observers into active agents of change.
She said Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings' participation in the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing profoundly shaped her advocacy.
“Her advocacy helped secure the passage of the landmark 1989 Intestate Succession Law, protecting the inheritance rights of widows and children, a legislative triumph that rescued countless families from destitution.
Dignity and distinction
Contributing, the MP for Afigya Kwabre South, Damata Ama Appianimaa Salam, said Ghana was mourning a beloved daughter whose life brought “honour and recognition to the constituents”.
“As the wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, she served Ghana with exceptional dignity and distinction.
The MP for Daboya/Mankarigu, Mahaha Shaibu, said due to Nana Konadu's boldness, the girl-child had someone to look up to.
“Many years ago, when the girl-child did not have hope, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings singularly started and championed her movement that attracted many women.
The MP for Awutu Senya West, Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, said she appreciated Nana Konadu’s strong family values and firm conviction about issues.
“And when she starts to discuss them, it does not matter where you stand in the family; she had her points made forcefully and directly,” she said.
The MP for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini, described Nana Konadu as the “heroine of our childhood”.
“Nana Konadu was not only a trailblazer for her generation, but through her works and her activities, she inspired the generations that followed right after hers,” he said.
