Nana Konadu to be laid to rest today
Ghana will today, Friday, 28 November, converge at Black Star Square for the state funeral of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings
The state-assisted burial will bring together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional leaders, political figures, and the general public to honour the memory of the former First Lady, who played a defining role in Ghana’s political and social transformation.
Final arrangements for the ceremony were concluded on Thursday, with security agencies and protocol officials putting in place detailed measures to receive high-profile guests and thousands of mourners expected at the Square. The state funeral is scheduled to commence at 8 a.m.
The national farewell follows a deeply emotional service held on Wednesday at the Accra Ridge Church, where family members, friends and dignitaries offered tributes that underscored the depth of her contribution to Ghana’s political and social development.
The Agyeman and Rawlings families have expressed appreciation for the overwhelming public support since her death on 23 October 2025.
Nana Konadu, celebrated founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement, is widely regarded as a driving force behind Ghana’s modern gender advocacy movement. Her influence resonated across policy circles, international development spaces and grassroots activism. Numerous tributes described her as an uncompromising advocate for women’s rights and an inspirational voice for social change. Among these was a message from Switzerland’s Ambassador to Ghana, Simone Giger, who lauded her unwavering commitment to championing women’s empowerment.
Her impact extended beyond politics and advocacy. Known for her distinct fashion sense, love for the arts and spirited personality, she became an enduring figure of cultural expression and confidence.
Born on 17 November 1948 in Cape Coast to J.O.T. Agyeman and Felicia Agyeman, she was raised in a home that prized discipline and leadership. Nana Konadu attended Achimota School before proceeding to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, where she studied Art with a focus on Textile Design and distinguished herself in student leadership, serving as Deputy SRC Secretary and later SRC Secretary. She was also active in the National Union of Ghana Students.
Her academic pursuits included training in Interior Design at the London College of Arts; Advanced Personnel Management at the Management Development and Productivity Institute; Development Studies at GIMPA; and a Senior Fellowship in Policy Studies and Non-Profit Sector Economic Development at Johns Hopkins University.
Professionally, she worked with the Union Trading Company in the 1970s before joining Nanali Africarts. It was during this period that she began the work that would later culminate in the creation of the 31st December Women’s Movement, now recognised as one of the most significant women-focused organisations in Ghana’s history.
In 1977, she married Jerry John Rawlings, then an Air Force officer. Their partnership—later at the centre of Ghana’s political evolution—produced four children: Zanetor, Yaa Asantewaa, Amina and Kimathi.
The ceremony will mark the final respect to a woman whose voice, courage and activism shaped national discourse for more than four decades.
