Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo and Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akando, have arrived at the Independence Square for the final funeral rites of the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.

Clad in solemn black, they moved briskly to their seats as the ceremony drew an increasing number of high-profile guests, state officials, and members of the public.

The funeral at Independence Square has become a moment of national reflection, bringing together mourners from all walks of life to honour the legacy of the former First Lady.

Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, a notable political figure and champion of women’s rights, passed away on October 23, 2025—an event that has deeply resonated across the country and beyond.

Her death has inspired tributes from political leaders, civil society organisations, and everyday Ghanaians who valued her decades of service to the nation’s political and social development.

As the rites progress, more dignitaries and sympathisers are expected to join the gathering to pay their last respects and participate in the national farewell for the late Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings.

, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings served as the First Lady of Ghana from June 4, 1979, to September 24, 1979, during the presidency of Jerry John Rawlings.

She held the same position again from December 31, 1981, to January 7, 2001. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at the University of Science and Technology (now KNUST), after specialising in Textiles. She furthered her education at the London College of Arts, where she obtained a Diploma in Interior Design.

Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings did not stop there; she went on to pursue a Diploma in Advanced Personnel Management from Ghana’s Management Development and Productivity Institute in 1979. At GIMPA, she received a Certificate in Development.

She later attended Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, USA, where she pursued a Senior Fellow Diploma in Policy Studies. Before her involvement in politics and social activism, she worked with the Ghana Tourist Board and the Union Trading Company (UTC) in Accra, as well as with several other organisations.

As a formidable advocate for women’s rights and social justice, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement in 1982. The influential non-governmental movement aimed at promoting women’s education, economic empowerment, and legal reforms.

Through Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings’ efforts, the Intestate Succession Law (PNDCL 111) was enacted to protect the inheritance rights of widows and children.

In Ghanaian politics, she is recognised as the founder of the National Democratic Party (NDP), through which she ran for president in 2016. She was succeeded by Mohammed Frimpong, who led the party after she stepped down in 2024.

She parted ways with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2012, following her defeat to the late President John Atta Mills in the party’s 2011 flagbearer race. She was elected as the NDC’s First Vice Chairperson in 2009.

In 2018, she launched her book titled It Takes a Woman, which captures her journey in politics and advocacy. Scores of Ghanaians have poured in with their tributes following her passing.

Recently, she was seen at the Forecourt of the Jubilee House to honour the eight public servants who passed away following the helicopter crash that occurred on August 6 at Adansi in the Ashanti Region. She was also spotted during the Dote Yie funeral rites for the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings got married to the late Jerry John Rawlings in 1977 after they both met at Achimota School. The couple had four children — three daughters and one son. Their children include Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, a medical doctor and Member of Parliament for the Klottey Korle Constituency; Kimathi Rawlings; Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings; and Amina Rawlings. Unfortunately, Jerry John Rawlings passed away in November 2020 at the age of 73.

He was confirmed dead after a short illness at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.