Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings passed away, and former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo expressed his profound sadness over her departure, calling her a great woman whose influence on women’s empowerment and national development will last for generations.
The former president said in a statement released on Thursday, October 23, 2025, that he and his spouse, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, were
Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings passed away, and former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo expressed his profound sadness over her departure, calling her a great woman whose influence on women’s empowerment and national development will last for generations.
The former president said in a statement released on Thursday, October 23, 2025, that he and his spouse, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, were
“deeply saddened by the news of the untimely passing of the wife of the late first President of the 4th Republic, His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings, the longest-serving First Lady in our history and the Founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement.”
He described Mrs. Rawlings as a “role model for women in Ghana and across Africa,” noting that her gender advocacy and empowerment initiatives have left a lasting mark on the nation.
“Her commitment to the growth of the women’s movement in Ghana and Africa can never be forgotten. She was a warm and affectionate woman, with a good sense of humour and was excellent company,” he said.
The former President extended condolences to the children and family of the late former First Lady, offering prayers for strength during their time of grief.
“Rebecca, my children and I extend our deepest condolences to her children and family on this sad occasion. May her soul rest peacefully in the bosom of the Almighty, until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall meet again,” Akufo-Addo said.
The late former President Jerry John Rawlings’ wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, founded the 31st December Women’s Movement and was renowned throughout Ghana and Africa for her trailblazing support of women’s rights, social welfare, and education.
