Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, a pioneering advocate for women’s rights and wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, has passed away at age 76.
Sources close to the family confirmed her death on Thursday, October 23, 2025, having passed away at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital.
However, details surrounding the cause of death remain undisclosed as the family prepares an official statement.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings is a well-known Ghanaian politician and women’s rights advocate. She was the wife of the late Jerry John Rawlings, Ghana’s former Head of State and first President of the Fourth Republic.
Born on November 17, 1948, she served as Ghana’s First Lady from 1981 to 2001. During that time, she became famous for her work to improve the lives of women and children. She founded the 31st December Women’s Movement, which helped many women gain education, start small businesses, and take part in national development.
Nana Konadu was also active in politics. She started out as a key member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the political party her husband founded. However, after disagreements with the party, she left and formed her own party, the National Democratic Party (NDP), in 2012. She later ran for president in the 2016 elections, becoming one of the few Ghanaian women ever to do so.
She continues to be recognized across Africa for her strong advocacy for women’s empowerment, family welfare, and equal opportunities.
More soon.
