Ghanaians will today, Friday, 28 November, converge at Black Star Square for the state funeral of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings
The state-assisted burial will bring together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional leaders, political figures, and the general public to honour the memory of the former First Lady, who played a defining role in Ghana’s political and social transformation.
Final arrangements for the ceremony were concluded on Thursday, November 27. The state funeral is scheduled to commence at 8 a.m.
The national farewell follows a requiem mass held on Wednesday at the Accra Ridge Church, where family members, friends and dignitaries offered tributes that underscored the depth of her contribution to Ghana’s political and social development.
Nana Konadu, wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, was Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady, holding the position across both military and civilian administrations led by her husband.
She served from June 4, 1979, to September 24, 1979, under the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), and again from December 31, 1981, to January 6, 1993, under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC).
She continued in the role during her husband’s two constitutional terms from January 7, 1993 to January 6, 2001.
Beyond her role as First Lady, Nana Konadu was a pioneer in women’s empowerment and political activism, founding the 31st December Women’s Movement and later the National Democratic Party (NDP).
In June 2012, she split from the NDC and formed the National Democratic Party (NDP). The Electoral Commission subsequently (EC) disqualified her and 11 other presidential candidates for failing to meet requirements before the September 30 deadline to file nomination documents.
She contested again in 2016 on the ticket of the NDP.
Her impact extended beyond politics and advocacy. Known for her distinct fashion sense, love for the arts and spirited personality, she became an enduring figure of cultural expression and confidence.
The ceremony will mark the final respect to a woman whose voice, courage and activism shaped national discourse for more than four decades.
