The grandchildren of the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, delivered a heartfelt tribute in her memory during her funeral rites, honoring her lasting impact on their lives.
During the tribute read on Friday, November 28, at Nana Konadu’s funeral, they referred to her as their hero, emphasizing that her influence and memories would forever be ingrained in their hearts.
“She is and will always be my hero. She leaves behind memories that time can never erase. Memories, stories, and impact that will linger on. The greatest way we can honour her is by living fully, boldly, and joyfully as she did. Now is our turn to follow her lead,” they expressed.
They reflected on the teachings she shared, particularly her emphasis on strength and resilience as essential values for women facing life’s challenges.
They also underscored her role in empowering women throughout the nation.
“She shaped my understanding of what it means to be a woman. Through her, I learned that womanhood is not solely defined by sacrifice but by resilience, vibrancy, humour, grace, and the unapologetic embrace of one’s own power. She was fierce when the world demanded strength and gentle when the world required softness,” they remarked.
The grandchildren also celebrated Nana Konadu’s unique fashion sense, both in private and in public, and acknowledged her significant contributions to Ghana’s culture and arts, reminiscing about treasured moments from the iconic storytelling program, By the Fireside.
The late former First Lady passed away on October 23, 2025.
Nana Konadu, the wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, was Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady, holding the position during both military and civilian administrations led by her husband.
She served from June 4, 1979, to September 24, 1979, under the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), and again from December 31, 1981, to January 6, 1993, under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC).
She served in her capacity during her husband’s two constitutional terms from January 7, 1993, to January 6, 2001.
In addition to her position as First Lady, Nana Konadu was a trailblazer in the realms of women’s empowerment and political activism, establishing the 31st December Women’s Movement and subsequently the National Democratic Party (NDP).
In June 2012, she departed from the NDC and founded the National Democratic Party (NDP). The Electoral Commission (EC) later disqualified her along with 11 other presidential candidates for not fulfilling the necessary requirements prior to the September 30 deadline for submitting nomination documents.
She ran for office again in 2016 under the banner of the NDP.
Her influence reached beyond the spheres of politics and advocacy. Renowned for her unique fashion sense, passion for the arts, and vibrant personality, she became a lasting symbol of cultural expression and self-assurance.
The ceremony will pay final tribute to a woman whose voice, bravery, and activism have significantly influenced national discourse for over four decades.
