President John Dramani Mahama has declared three days of national mourning in honor of Ghana’s former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, who passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital at age 76.
According to an official statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, the mourning period will last from Friday, October 24, to Sunday, October 26, 2025.
During this time, all national flags are to be flown at half-mast across public institutions, government installations, and Ghana’s diplomatic missions worldwide.
Government described the gesture as a tribute to the late First Lady’s distinguished service to Ghana, particularly in the areas of women’s empowerment, child welfare, and social development.
Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was known for her passion for social change and women’s rights.
A product of Achimota School and the University of Science and Technology (now KNUST), she later pursued further studies in design, management, and development, both locally and abroad.
She founded the 31st December Women’s Movement in 1982, which empowered thousands of women through education, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.
Her influence extended into politics, where she served as the First Vice Chairperson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and later founded the National Democratic Party (NDP) in 2012.
Nana Konadu served as Ghana’s First Lady from 1981 to 2001 alongside her husband, the late former President Jerry John Rawlings. She is survived by four children—Zanetor, Yaa Asantewaa, Amina, and Kimathi Rawlings.
Read below the statement
