Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings’s 1 year anniversary commemorated

It has been one year since the passing of former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, and the anniversary was marked by family members, political party representatives, sympathisers and other mourners gathering at the Holy Spirit Cathedral at Adabraka in Accra to honour her memory.

Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings, who was 76, died at the Ridge Hospital in Accra. She was the First Lady from June 4, 1979, to September 24, 1979; and from December 31, 1981, to January 7, 2001.

The Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, graced the occasion. Also present were members of the late former First Lady’s family, political associates and sympathisers, among others.

During the Memorial Mass, the Assistant Priest, Holy Spirit Cathedral, Adabraka, Rev. Fr. Michael Dziwornu Etsey, urged citizens to make good use of the time available to them by serving humanity selflessly, walking in humility and living lives worthy of their calling.

He said the occasion was not only an opportunity to give thanks for the life and impact of the late former First Lady, but also a reminder to the living to reflect on their own lives and the legacy they wished to leave behind.

Rev. Fr. Etsey said memorial services should encourage people to reflect on the lives of the departed and draw lessons from their experiences and contributions.

He, therefore, urged the congregation to cherish their relationships and make a conscious effort to show kindness and compassion to others while they had the opportunity.

Drawing lessons from biblical readings, Rev. Fr. Etsey called on Christians to live in a manner worthy of their calling – humility, gentleness, patience and love.

He said those virtues were important for everyone, regardless of their position in society, stressing that public office, religious leadership and family responsibilities all came with an obligation to serve others.

“My calling is to be a priest. Your calling is to be a father, a leader, a president, a vice-president.

Whatever your calling is, you must walk worthily in the manner of your calling,” Rev. Fr. Etsey said.

He explained that service should be at the heart of leadership, adding that people in positions of responsibility must recognise that their roles were opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Rev. Fr. Etsey also urged parents to exercise patience and gentleness in raising their children, cautioning that harsh words and uncontrolled anger could undermine relationships and create divisions within families.

The priest further encouraged the congregation to reflect on how they could contribute to their families, communities and the nation, saying, meaningful lives were built through everyday acts of service, kindness and responsibility.

He urged mourners to use the memorial as an opportunity to consider the exemplary life of the late former First Lady and learn lessons from them.

The service concluded with prayers for the eternal repose of the soul of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings and other departed souls.