The grandchildren of the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, delivered an emotional tribute in her honour during her funeral rites, celebrating her enduring influence on their lives.
Reading the tribute on Friday, November 28, during Nana Konadu’s funeral, they described her as their hero, whose impact and memories would remain deeply etched in their hearts.
“She is and will always be my hero. She leaves behind memories that time can never erase. Memories, stories, and impact that will linger on. The greatest way we can honour her is by living fully, boldly, and joyfully as she did. Now is our turn to follow her lead,” they urged.
They reflected on the lessons she imparted, particularly her insistence on strength and resilience as core values for women navigating life’s challenges.
They also highlighted how she empowered women in the country.
“She shaped my understanding of what it means to be a woman. Through her, I learnt that womanhood is not defined by sacrifice alone but by resilience, vibrancy, humour, grace, and the unapologetic embrace of one’s own power. She was fierce when the world demanded strength and gentle when the world needed softness,” they stated.
The grandchildren also celebrated Nana Konadu’s distinctive fashion sense, both at home and in public, and highlighted her immense contribution to Ghana’s culture and arts, recalling cherished moments from the iconic storytelling programme, By the Fireside.
The late former First Lady passed away on October 23, 2025.
Nana Konadu, wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, was Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady, holding the position across both military and civilian administrations led by her husband.
She served from June 4, 1979, to September 24, 1979, under the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), and again from December 31, 1981, to January 6, 1993, under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC).
She continued in the role during her husband’s two constitutional terms from January 7, 1993, to January 6, 2001.
Beyond her role as First Lady, Nana Konadu was a pioneer in women’s empowerment and political activism, founding the 31st December Women’s Movement and later the National Democratic Party (NDP).
In June 2012, she split from the NDC and formed the National Democratic Party (NDP). The Electoral Commission subsequently (EC) disqualified her and 11 other presidential candidates for failing to meet requirements before the September 30 deadline to file nomination documents.
She contested again in 2016 on the ticket of the NDP.
Her impact extended beyond politics and advocacy. Known for her distinct fashion sense, love for the arts and spirited personality, she became an enduring figure of cultural expression and confidence.
The ceremony will mark the final respect to a woman whose voice, courage and activism shaped national discourse for more than four decades.
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