Ghana is mourning the death of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, who passed away early Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra. She was 76 years old.
Sources close to the family confirmed her passing, though no official statement has yet been released by the Rawlings family. However, the office of the President has confirmed her passing in a statement.
In a statement dated 23 October and signed by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidency confirmed that Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings passed away on Thursday morning after a short illness.
Her death comes nearly five years after the passing of her husband, former President Jerry John Rawlings, who died on November 12, 2020, at age 73. Together, they shaped one of Ghana’s most influential political legacies spanning more than two decades.
Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast, Nana Konadu was the daughter of J.O.T. Agyeman. She attended Ghana International School and later Achimota School, where she met her future husband. She earned a degree in Art and Textiles from the University of Science and Technology (now KNUST), where she also served as a student leader at Africa Hall.
Her quest for education continued abroad and locally. In 1975, she obtained a diploma in Interior Design from the London College of Arts. She later pursued studies in Advanced Personnel Management at Ghana’s Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI) and earned a Certificate in Development from GIMPA in 1991.
Nana Konadu served as First Lady of Ghana during two key periods, from June to September 1979, and again from December 1981 to January 2001. Throughout her tenure, she championed women’s rights, grassroots empowerment, and child welfare, earning recognition across Africa for her advocacy.
She has been the president of the 31st December Women’s Movement in 1982. In 2016, she made history as the first woman to run for President of Ghana, leading the National Democratic Party (NDP).
She is survived by her four children; Zanetor, Yaa Asantewaa, Amina, and Kimathi Rawlings, all of whom have played varying roles in public life and social advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings?
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was Ghana’s former First Lady, serving from 1979 to 2001. She was also the wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings and a strong advocate for women’s rights and political empowerment in Africa.
When did Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings die?
She passed away in the early hours of Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra.
How old was Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings at the time of her death?
She was 76 years old.
What was the cause of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings’ death?
As of now, the cause of death has not been officially confirmed, but she passed away after a short illness.
Was Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings the first woman to run for President of Ghana?
Yes. In 2016, she became the first woman in Ghana’s history to run for president under the National Democratic Party (NDP).
Who are Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings’ children?
She is survived by four children — Zanetor, Yaa Asantewaa, Amina, and Kimathi Rawlings.
When did her husband, Jerry John Rawlings, die?
Her husband, Jerry John Rawlings, passed away on November 12, 2020, at the age of 73.
