Ghana will today, Friday, November 28, 2025, bid a final farewell to former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, whose funeral will be held at Independence Square in Accra.

The rites are scheduled to begin at 6 a.m. with the arrival of the cortege, drawing dignitaries, family members, political leaders, and members of the public eager to honour the memory of one of the country’s most influential women.

In a statement, the Agyeman-Rawlings family announced that no invitation is required to attend the ceremony.

They assured the public that ushers will guide attendees to designated seating areas.

The family also expressed deep appreciation for the overwhelming support and condolences received since her passing.

Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast, Nana Konadu received her secondary education at Achimota School before pursuing Art and Design at the University of Science and Technology (now KNUST).

It was during her time at the university that she met Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, whom she married in 1977.

Her life entered national prominence when her husband led the June 4, 1979 uprising and the December 31, 1981, revolution—pivotal moments that reshaped Ghana’s political landscape.

As First Lady during the PNDC era and into the Fourth Republic, Nana Konadu became a transformative figure in Ghana’s women’s movement.

In 1982, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement (DWM), which worked to enhance economic and social opportunities for women, especially in rural communities.

The DWM introduced microcredit programmes, established preschools, and pushed for increased women’s participation in governance.

Her advocacy contributed to major policy reforms, including the protection of women’s rights in the 1992 Constitution and the passage of the Intestate Succession Law (PNDC Law 111).

Under her leadership, the DWM grew into one of the largest and most influential women’s organisations in Africa.

Nana Konadu charted her own political path, contesting the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearership in 2011 against the late President John Evans Atta Mills—a bold move that signalled her political independence.

She later founded the National Democratic Party (NDP) in 2012 and became its first presidential candidate, contesting the 2012 and 2016 elections.

Though unsuccessful at the polls, she inspired many women to pursue political leadership.

Remembered for her assertiveness, elegance, and unwavering dedication to social justice, Nana Konadu was married to former President Jerry John Rawlings for more than 40 years until his death in 2020.

She is survived by their four children, including Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey.

Her passing marks the close of a defining chapter in Ghana’s political history.

Today’s funeral will celebrate her far-reaching impact on women’s rights, national development, and the democratic journey of the country she served with conviction.