Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, the former First Lady of Ghana, passed away at the age of 73. Born on November 17, 1949, in the capital city of Accra, she was the daughter of the renowned businessman, Edward Agyemang, and his wife, Victoria Agyemang. Konadu’s early life was marked by academic excellence and a strong sense of purpose, which set the stage for her future role in Ghana’s political and social landscape. Her education in both Ghana and the United States was instrumental in shaping her outlook on life and her eventual commitment to the country’s development.
Before rising to national prominence, Nana Konadu was already known for her academic achievements and work in the private sector. She attended Achimota School, one of Ghana’s prestigious educational institutions, before pursuing higher education at the United States’ Fisk University in Tennessee. With a strong foundation in arts and sciences, she returned to Ghana where she worked in various capacities, gradually building her profile as a dynamic and determined individual. Her marriage to Jerry John Rawlings, who would later become Ghana’s military leader and then president, marked the beginning of her political journey.
Nana Konadu became widely known after her husband’s 1979 military coup, which led to the overthrow of the then-government. With Jerry Rawlings assuming power, she became a significant figure in the public sphere, both as a supporter of her husband’s policies and as an advocate for women’s rights. Over time, she became known for her strong advocacy in issues of social justice, particularly women’s empowerment and the betterment of children’s welfare. Her establishment of the 31st December Women’s Movement was pivotal in mobilizing Ghanaian women to be actively involved in the country’s political and social affairs.
Her influence grew significantly as she served as First Lady from 1981
