Former First Lady of Ghana, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, has died at the age of 76.
She passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra after a brief illness.
Her death was confirmed by family sources, marking the end of an era in Ghana’s political and social history.
Nana Konadu was the wife of the late former president Jerry John Rawlings, who ruled Ghana first as a military leader and later as an elected civilian president.
Born on November 17, 1948, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was one of Ghana’s most prominent female political figures and a leading advocate for women’s empowerment.
As First Lady, she played a significant role in shaping public discourse on gender equality and social justice.
She served as First Lady during her husband’s two administrations. First from June 1979 to September 1979, and again from December 1981 to January 2001.
During that period, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement, an influential organization that promoted women’s rights, education, and economic participation across Ghana and other parts of Africa.
In 2016, Nana Konadu made history when she became the first woman to run for president of Ghana, contesting under the National Democratic Party (NDP), which she founded after her departure from the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Her political life was defined by resilience, courage, and a commitment to advancing opportunities for women.
She was widely respected for her independence and unwavering belief in the potential of Ghanaian women to influence national development.
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Tributes have poured in from across Ghana and beyond, with political leaders, civil society groups, and citizens acknowledging her lasting impact on national life.
Nana Konadu is survived by her four children, including Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey.
Her passing comes nearly five years after the death of her husband, Jerry John Rawlings, who died in November 2020.
Together, the couple left an enduring legacy that shaped Ghana’s modern political and social landscape for more than two decades.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in consultation with the Government of Ghana.