Ghana will today, Friday, November 28, gather at Black Star Square for the state funeral of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, a towering figure in the nation’s political and social landscape. The ceremony, receiving full state support, is expected to draw government officials, diplomats, traditional authorities, political leaders and thousands of citizens wishing to pay their final respects.
Preparations for the national farewell were finalised on Thursday, setting the stage for an official service that begins at 8 a.m. It follows a solemn requiem mass held at the Accra Ridge Church on Wednesday, where emotional tributes from family, friends and dignitaries reflected the profound influence the former First Lady had on national development and women’s advancement.
Nana Konadu, wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, was Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady—an era that spanned both the turbulent years of military governance and the stability of constitutional rule. Her time in the role stretched from the brief AFRC administration in 1979, through the PNDC period in the 1980s and early 1990s, and into the two-term presidency of her husband from 1993 to 2001.
She was widely recognised not only as a partner in governance but also as a formidable advocate for women’s rights. Her establishment of the 31st December Women’s Movement marked a turning point in grassroots mobilisation for gender equality. Her later formation of the National Democratic Party (NDP) in 2012, following her departure from the NDC, underscored her commitment to independent political engagement. Although her 2012 presidential bid was cut short by disqualification, she returned to contest again in 2016 on the NDP ticket.
Beyond politics, Nana Konadu became a cultural icon—celebrated for her bold fashion choices, her appreciation for the arts and her dynamic public presence. To many Ghanaians, she symbolised confidence, resilience and a modern expression of womanhood.
Today’s state funeral represents the final chapter of a life that helped shape national dialogue for more than four decades. As mourners converge at Black Star Square, the country pauses to honour a woman whose legacy will continue to influence generations.
