Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Ghana's former First Lady, has passed away at the age of 76, leaving a legacy of empowerment and advocacy for women's rights. Her death comes five years after the loss of her husband, Jerry John Rawlings, who was Ghana's longest-serving leader.
A prominent political figure and women's rights advocate, Agyeman-Rawlings died following a short illness, with family members notifying President John Mahama of her passing. Social media tributes highlighted her impactful work and contributions to national policy.
As First Lady, she founded the 31st December Women's Movement, which empowered women economically and socially, particularly in poorer regions of Ghana. This initiative, emerging from her husband's second coup in 1981, significantly advanced women's roles in society.
Born in November 1948 in Cape Coast, Agyeman-Rawlings met her future husband while attending Achimota School in Accra. Unlike her husband, she pursued higher education, studying art and textiles, and later became an influential adviser during his presidency.
Her advocacy influenced the introduction of inheritance rights for women and children in a landmark law of 1989. Moreover, she contributed to gender equality provisions in Ghana's 1992 constitution, which restored multiparty politics to the nation.
As Ghana observes her passing, the country's parliament has adjourned in her honor, reflecting on her significant contributions and the fight for women's inclusion in political spaces.
