Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Ghana’s former First Lady, was more than a political figure she was a visionary, a reformer, and a fearless advocate for women’s rights. Her life’s journey, from a young student in Cape Coast to a national icon, tells the story of courage, conviction, and transformation.
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Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings Profile
Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings (née Agyeman) grew up in a family that valued education and discipline. She attended Ghana International School and later Achimota School, where fate introduced her to her future husband, Jerry John Rawlings — the man who would later lead Ghana through both military and democratic transitions.
She pursued higher education at the University of Science and Technology (now KNUST), majoring in Art and Textiles. Her creative mind and curiosity led her to the London College of Arts, where she earned a diploma in Interior Design in 1975. Over the years, she broadened her expertise with additional studies in Personnel Management and Development Studies in Ghana and completed fellowships in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management in the United States.
Life as First Lady
Nana Konadu became Ghana’s First Lady twice — first in 1979, and again from 1981 to 2001 — during her husband’s leadership as Head of State and later as President. In that role, she redefined what it meant to be First Lady. She was not content to play a ceremonial part; instead, she rolled up her sleeves and worked directly with communities, particularly women in rural areas, to improve their lives.
The 31st December Women’s Movement
In 1982, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement (DWM) — a groundbreaking initiative that empowered Ghanaian women through education, entrepreneurship, and social development. Under her leadership, the movement grew to over two million members and became one of the most influential women’s organizations in Africa.
The DWM’s work was visible across the country: over 870 pre-schools established, countless adult literacy programs launched, and women encouraged to take leadership roles in politics and governance. Through her hands-on approach, Nana Konadu gave women a voice in spaces where they had long been excluded.
Political Journey
Beyond her work as First Lady, Nana Konadu was deeply involved in politics. She served as First Vice Chairperson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2009 before founding the National Democratic Party (NDP). In 2016, she made history as the first woman to contest Ghana’s presidency, a move that solidified her reputation as one of the boldest female leaders on the continent. Many called her “the Hillary Clinton of Africa” — a testament to her ambition, resilience, and trailblazing spirit.
Advocacy and Achievements
Nana Konadu’s legacy extends beyond politics. She was instrumental in Ghana’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991 and was a key advocate behind the Intestate Succession Law (PNDCL 111), which protected widows’ inheritance rights.
Her commitment to gender equality, child welfare, and social reform reshaped national policy and inspired generations of women to step into leadership. Through grassroots mobilization, she helped change public perceptions of women’s roles — in homes, communities, and government.
Legacy
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings will be remembered as one of Ghana’s most influential and fearless women. Her vision, leadership, and dedication to social justice continue to inspire a new generation of Ghanaian women to dream bigger and lead boldly.
Even after her passing on October 23, 2025, at age 76, her work lives on — in the women she empowered, the laws she helped shape, and the movement she built from the ground up. Nana Konadu’s story remains a timeless reminder that leadership is not about titles, but about the courage to create change that outlives you.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings cause of death
Ghana is in mourning following the passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, a towering figure in the country’s political and social history.
She is reported to have died in the early hours of Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra. Details surrounding her death remain limited at this time.
Nana Konadu was 76 years old. Her passing marks the end of an era for a woman who dedicated much of her life to championing women’s empowerment, social development, and national progress.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings children
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings and Jerry John Rawlings raised four children, three daughters: Zanetor, Yaa Asantewaa, and Amina Rawlings, and a son, Kimathi Rawlings.
