President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, will be honoured with a state funeral in recognition of her exceptional service to the nation.
The President made the announcement on Tuesday during a condolence visit to the bereaved family at their residence in Accra. He was accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, and other senior government officials.
Expressing his deep sorrow and disbelief, President Mahama recounted how he first received the tragic news.
“It actually came as a shock. Zanetor was the first to call me, and Nana was with them. They broke the news to me, so I asked them to come to the office, and they came and explained everything that happened,” he said.
Reflecting on the suddenness of her passing, the President said,
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“It was unexpected. The last time I saw her was at the Asantehemaa’s funeral, and she was her lively self. There was nothing to indicate that just weeks later, she would be gone.”
Celebrating Her Legacy
President Mahama paid glowing tribute to Nana Konadu’s enduring legacy, describing her as a trailblazer and one of Ghana’s most influential First Ladies.
“Nana Konadu set a record in this country — the longest-serving First Lady, 19 solid years. With the constitution we have, no one can ever break that record,” he noted.
He praised her lifelong dedication to women’s empowerment, highlighting the transformative work of the 31st December Women’s Movement, which she founded.
“For 19 years, she made women’s empowerment her focus. Across the country, you can still see evidence of her work — schools, skills centres, and projects that continue to impact lives,” he said.
National Recognition
President Mahama assured that Nana Konadu’s contributions to Ghana’s development would be fittingly honoured.
“I’m sure that when the tributes are written, her story will reflect her invaluable role as First Lady and her service to Ghana,” he said.
On behalf of the government and the people of Ghana, the President conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Rawlings family.
“On behalf of the people of Ghana and the government, I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family,” he said.
State Funeral Plans
Outlining the funeral arrangements, President Mahama confirmed that the late former First Lady will receive full state honours.
“We shall give her a state funeral. The family can hold their traditional funeral afterward. Once the date is agreed upon, the state will organise the ceremony and accord her the full honours she deserves as our former First Lady and Mother of the Nation,” he declared.
President Mahama further assured the family of the government’s full support during this difficult period.
“We will work closely with the family and await their decisions regarding the arrangements,” he said.
Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings served as Ghana’s First Lady for nearly two decades, during which she championed women’s rights, social welfare, and national development — a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem