A national outpouring of respect is expected at the Black Star Square today as Ghanaians come together to honour the life and legacy of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.
The state funeral, scheduled to begin at 8 a.m., will bring together government officials, diplomats, traditional authorities, political leaders and members of the public. Organisers confirmed that all final preparations were completed on Thursday, November 27.
The ceremony follows a heartfelt requiem mass held Wednesday at the Accra Ridge Church, where relatives, dignitaries and well-wishers celebrated the former First Lady’s decades of service to the nation.
Nana Konadu, wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, remains Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady, having served under the AFRC in 1979, the PNDC from 1981 to 1993, and throughout her husband’s two constitutional terms from 1993 to 2001.
Renowned for her pioneering work in women’s empowerment, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement, which grew into a powerful platform for social advocacy.
She later broke ranks with the NDC to form the National Democratic Party (NDP) in 2012. Although disqualified from the 2012 presidential race for failing to meet filing requirements, she returned to contest the 2016 election on the NDP ticket.
Her influence extended far beyond politics. Nana Konadu was recognised for her distinct personal style, artistic interests and vibrant spirit, traits that made her a lasting cultural icon.
Today’s state funeral serves as the country’s final tribute to a woman whose leadership, courage and activism shaped national discourse for more than 40 years.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
