Ghana Pays Final Respects to Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings Today

Ghanaians will today, Friday, 28 November, converge on Black Star Square for the state funeral of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.

The state-assisted ceremony is expected to draw government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers, political leaders, and thousands of citizens as the nation honors the life and legacy of a woman who played a pivotal role in Ghana’s political and social transformation.

Final preparations were completed on Thursday, 27 November.

The national farewell follows a solemn requiem mass held on Wednesday at the Accra Ridge Church, where family, friends, and dignitaries paid glowing tributes to her decades of public service and enduring impact on Ghana’s development.

Her family has expressed deep appreciation to Ghanaians for the overwhelming support since her passing on Thursday, 23 October 2025.

Founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement, Nana Konadu is widely remembered as a trailblazing advocate whose activism helped shape Ghana’s gender equality and social development agenda. Public tributes have described her as “a national treasure,” “an indomitable spirit,” and “a beacon of women’s empowerment.” Switzerland’s Ambassador to Ghana, Simone Giger, lauded her “determination and dedication to women’s rights.”

Beyond public life, she was admired for her vibrant love of fashion, music, dance, and the creative arts, with her elegance and confidence making her an enduring symbol of Ghanaian cultural pride.

Born on 17 November 1948 in Cape Coast to J.O.T. Agyeman and Felicia Agyeman, she grew up in a home defined by discipline, ambition, and leadership.

She attended Achimota School before pursuing Arts with a focus on Textile Design at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where she served as Deputy SRC Secretary and later SRC Secretary. She was also active in the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS).