Ghana has lost one of its most remarkable political figures, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, whose passing today (Thursday, October 23) brings to an end a defining era in the nation’s political and social landscape.

Known widely as the Iron Lady of Ghanaian politics, she rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s through her bold activism and fearless advocacy. Beyond being a former First Lady, she made history as the first woman to contest for the presidency in Ghana—an achievement that solidified her reputation as a pioneer.

Her life reflected unwavering dedication to women’s empowerment and a determination to challenge established norms, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most influential female leaders in Ghana’s post-independence history.

The Longest Serving First Lady

Nana Konadu Agyeman, born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast, Central Region, began her education at Achimota School, where she would later meet her husband, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings.

She pursued Art and Textiles at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and furthered her studies abroad, earning a diploma in Interior Design from the London College of Arts in 1975. Her quest for knowledge continued with a diploma in Advanced Personnel Management and a certificate in Development from GIMPA, underscoring her intellectual curiosity and commitment to personal growth.

Her marriage to Rawlings in 1977 marked the beginning of her deep involvement in Ghana’s political evolution. As First Lady, she served during two significant phases of Ghana’s governance—first in 1979 under the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) and later from 1981 to 2001 under the PNDC and the Fourth Republic.

Her 20-year tenure as First Lady, the longest in Ghana’s history, provided her with a unique platform to drive social transformation and advocate for national progress.

The Engine of Women's Empowerment: 31st DWM

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings is widely recognised as the founder and president of the 31st December Women’s Movement (31st DWM), which she established in 1982.

Far from being a symbolic organisation, the movement became a dynamic grassroots force dedicated to mobilising and empowering women across Ghana, particularly in rural areas, inspired by her conviction that women held the key to breaking the cycle of poverty.

Its achievements were visible and far-reaching, transforming women’s roles from passive beneficiaries of aid to active participants in the country’s political and economic development.

Grassroots Mobilisation: It mobilised an estimated two million women across the country, encouraging their participation in community and national decision-making. The Movement established over 870 pre-schools across the regions to free women to engage in economic activities.

Economic Projects: The 31st DWM supported numerous income-generating activities and small-scale, village-level economic projects, encouraging women to save money for community development.

Education and Health: It ran extensive functional adult literacy programmes to tackle high illiteracy rates among rural women and implemented public health programmes focusing on nutrition and immunisation.

Legal and Political Reform: She was instrumental in advocating for legal changes, including the crucial role she played in the adoption of the Intestate Succession Law (PNDCL 111), which drastically improved the inheritance rights of widows and children—a vital shift away from traditional barriers where women often had no rights of inheritance upon the death of their husbands. Furthermore, through her efforts, Ghana became the first nation in the world to approve the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1991.

Agyeman-Rawlings often framed the movement as an essential political tool: "Before December 31, 1981, they had no power of influence in law or politics... I can see from the self-esteem and near arrogance of the women that now we've actually been able to break through this thick wall," she once noted, highlighting the movement's mission to empower.

An Unyielding Political Force and Trailblazer

Even after her years as First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings continued to be a formidable presence in Ghana’s political space, known for her strong will and unshakable principles.

Her political approach—described by some analysts as femocracy—combined her passion for women’s empowerment with her assertive influence in national affairs. Her rise to the position of First Vice Chairperson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2009 marked the height of her political engagement within the party.

Tensions, however, surfaced when she challenged the late President John Atta Mills for the NDC’s flagbearership in 2011, a bold move that unsettled the political establishment. This turning point ultimately led her to establish the National Democratic Party (NDP), symbolising her determination to chart an independent path.

In 2016, Nana Konadu made history as Ghana’s first female presidential candidate—a milestone that not only broke barriers but also inspired countless women to aspire to leadership. Although she garnered just 0.16% of the votes, her candidacy embodied courage and the relentless pursuit of gender equality in politics.

Her life reflected endurance, conviction, and an unwavering faith in the potential of Ghanaian women. Through her activism and leadership, she left an indelible mark on the nation, paving the way for generations of women to dream bigger and lead boldly.