The Government of Ghana has announced that a state funeral will be held for the late former First Lady, Mrs. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Independence Square in Accra.
According to an official statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Government Communications and Spokesperson to President John Dramani Mahama, the funeral is being organized under the auspices of the President in recognition of Mrs. Rawlings’ invaluable contributions to Ghana’s national development, particularly in advancing the rights of women and children.
“The state funeral is in recognition of Mrs. Rawlings’ invaluable contributions to the advancement of the rights of women and children in Ghana, and national development,” the statement read.
Background
Mrs. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, served as Ghana’s First Lady from 1981 to 2001. She was widely regarded as one of the country’s most influential female political figures and a pioneering advocate for women’s empowerment.
During her tenure as First Lady, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement, a social and political organization that championed the rights of women and children, promoted education, and supported income-generating ventures for rural women across the country.
Mrs. Rawlings later entered frontline politics, becoming the first woman to seek the presidency in Ghana’s Fourth Republic. She led the National Democratic Party (NDP) and contested the 2016 and 2020 general elections.
Her leadership and advocacy left a lasting impact on Ghana’s gender and social development agenda, influencing public policy on women’s participation in governance and national affairs.
Mrs. Rawlings’ passing marked the end of an era in Ghana’s political history, following the earlier demise of her husband, former President Jerry John Rawlings, in November 2020.
The upcoming state funeral is expected to draw dignitaries from across the political spectrum, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society leaders, and thousands of Ghanaians who benefitted from her decades of service.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
