Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady and one of the country’s most influential women in politics and social development, leaves behind a legacy defined by resilience, advocacy, and trailblazing leadership.
Born on November 17, 1948, Nana Konadu was educated at Achimota School and later at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where she studied Art and Design. It was during her university years that she met Jerry John Rawlings, the future Head of State and President of Ghana, whom she later married.
As First Lady from 1981 to 2001, Nana Konadu became a formidable force in Ghana’s social and political landscape. She founded the 31st December Women’s Movement (DWM), a grassroots organization that mobilized millions of women across the country. The movement championed literacy, healthcare, microfinance, and economic empowerment, giving rural women a stronger voice in national development.
Her work with the DWM earned her recognition both locally and internationally, positioning her as a leading advocate for women’s rights in Africa. She represented Ghana at numerous global forums, including United Nations conferences on women’s development and empowerment.
Beyond her role as First Lady, Nana Konadu carved her own political path. In 2016, she made history as the first woman to run for President of Ghana, contesting on the ticket of the National Democratic Party (NDP), which she founded after breaking away from the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Though she did not win, her candidacy marked a significant milestone in Ghana’s democratic journey and inspired a new generation of women in politics.
Known for her commanding presence, eloquence, and signature Ghanaian headwraps, Nana Konadu embodied elegance and authority in equal measure. She was admired for her ability to balance family life with public service, raising four children while remaining deeply engaged in national affairs.
Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings will be remembered as a pioneer of women’s empowerment, a political trailblazer, and a symbol of resilience in Ghana’s modern history. Her decades of service reshaped the role of First Lady from a ceremonial position into one of active leadership and advocacy.
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