By Nadia Ntiamoah
The Government of Ghana has officially announced that a full state funeral will be held for the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Independence Square in Accra.
The announcement, issued by the Presidency and signed by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, emphasized that the honour is in recognition of the late First Lady’s “invaluable contributions to the advancement of the rights of women and children and her lifelong service to national development.”
This decision by President John Dramani Mahama’s administration follows weeks of consultations between government officials and the Rawlings family after the former First Lady’s passing at the Ridge Hospital in Accra in October 2025, at the age of 76.
A Life of Public Service and Advocacy
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings remains one of the most influential figures in the modern political history. She served as the First Lady from 1981 to 2000 — a historic 19-year tenure, the longest in the nation’s history — during which she dedicated herself to advancing the welfare of women, children, and rural communities.
Through her leadership of the 31st December Women’s Movement (DWM), she transformed the socio-economic lives of thousands of women by initiating community-based projects across the country. These included gari-processing factories, oil palm plantations, shea butter production centres, and skills training initiatives that empowered women to achieve financial independence.
Her efforts earned Ghana international recognition for promoting gender equity and rural enterprise development at a time when such conversations were still emerging across Africa.
Political Engagement And Legacy
Beyond her role as First Lady, Nana Konadu became a pioneering political figure in her own right. She was an active member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), founded by her late husband, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, before later forming the National Democratic Party (NDP) in 2012, making history as the first woman to lead a political party and contest for the presidency in Ghana.
Nation Prepares to Bid Farewell
President Mahama, in an earlier statement during a condolence visit to the family, described the late Mrs. Rawlings as “a mother of the nation” whose record of service and empowerment would remain unmatched.
“She holds the record as Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady, and through her work with the 31st December Women’s Movement, she changed lives across the country. Her legacy is visible in every corner of Ghana,” he said.
The upcoming state funeral is expected to draw dignitaries, foreign missions, and former African First Ladies, reflecting her stature as a continental icon of women’s empowerment.
The ceremony will include full military honours and a national tribute session at the Independence Square, follow by a private interment in Accra.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings leaves behind four children — Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Amina, Yaa Asantewaa, and Kimathi Rawlings.
