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President John Dramani Mahama has paid an emotional tribute to the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, lauding her as a towering national figure whose courage, leadership, and lifelong advocacy transformed generations of Ghanaians.
The tribute was delivered on the President’s behalf by Senior Presidential Advisor and Special Aide, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, during the state funeral held on Friday, November 28, at the Black Star Square.
President Mahama prayed for her peaceful rest, expressing confidence that her legacy would continue to inspire Ghana’s pursuit of justice, equity, and national progress.
“Fare thee well, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. Ghana will remember you,” he said.
A Trailblazer Beyond the Role of First Lady
In his tribute, President Mahama described Nana Konadu as more than a First Lady, calling her “a pioneering leader, a champion of women’s empowerment, and a bold trailblazer in our political and social landscape.”
He highlighted her immense contributions to gender advocacy and national development, noting that her work helped elevate the voices and opportunities of women across the country.
Champion of Women and Girls
President Mahama emphasized the transformative role she played through her leadership of the 31st December Women’s Movement, which he described as instrumental in expanding social and economic opportunities for women, especially in underserved rural communities.
“She championed literacy programmes, reproductive and maternal health, early childhood education, and economic empowerment initiatives long before these became central themes in our national development agenda,” he stated.
Her initiatives, he added, opened doors for countless women and young girls and significantly influenced the country’s social development policies.
A Strong Yet Warm Personality
President Mahama praised Nana Konadu as assertive, principled, and unyielding in her convictions. He acknowledged her readiness to push boundaries and stand alone when necessary, describing her courage as exemplary.
Despite her strong public persona, he said she was also warm, engaging, and fiercely protective of her family.
He remembered her as “a mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and mentor whose clarity, energy, and purpose shaped every space she occupied.”
A National Loss
Touching on her death, President Mahama said the country has lost not only a historic figure but also an influential force in Ghana’s political and social evolution.
“Her passing is a profound loss—not only to her beloved family… but also to our nation. It marks the closing of an important chapter in Ghana’s political and social history, even as her example continues to inspire generations to come,” he said.
He concluded by noting that Nana Konadu lived a life defined by service, courage, and “unbroken purpose,” devoting herself to the advancement of women and the potential of the youth.
