Ghana has declared a three-day national mourning period, from Friday, October 24 to Sunday, October 26, 2025, in solemn remembrance of the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. President John Dramani Mahama, through a statement signed by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, directed that all national flags be flown at half-mast across public buildings, government installations, and diplomatic missions both within Ghana and abroad. This declaration comes in profound recognition of Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings’s exceptional and distinguished service to the nation, particularly her unwavering dedication to women’s empowerment, child welfare, and broader social development.

Mrs. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings passed away on the morning of Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the age of 76, following a short illness. Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast, she served as Ghana’s First Lady from 1981 to 2001, making her the nation’s longest-serving First Lady and a prominent figure in Ghana’s political and social landscape. Her passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the country and beyond, reflecting her enduring influence and remarkable legacy.

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) expressed profound sorrow, with its General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, describing her death as a national loss. The NPP hailed her as “a mother, a political icon, and an enduring source of inspiration,” emphasizing her role as an epitome of strength and resilience for Ghanaian women, particularly in political leadership and socio-economic empowerment. The party acknowledged her instrumental contributions to women’s rights and empowerment, noting her vital role in bringing into force the Intestate Succession Law (PNDCL 111) and her influence on gender equality provisions in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.

Similarly, the Majority Caucus in Parliament, led by Mahama Ayariga, conveyed deep sadness and shock at the news, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The Judicial Service of Ghana, through the Acting Chief Justice, also mourned her passing as a profound national loss, highlighting her unwavering advocacy for women’s empowerment and her instrumental role in advancing gender equality. The Judicial Service lauded her as a visionary leader whose initiatives under the 31st December Women’s Movement transformed the socio-economic status of countless women and inspired generations to participate actively in governance and leadership.

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the 2024 vice-presidential candidate of the NPP, shared his deep sorrow, calling her passing “a monumental loss not only to her family but to the entire nation.” He described her as a trailblazer whose courage, intellect, and commitment to social justice redefined the role of women in national development. According to Dr. Prempeh, “Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings’s passion for uplifting the marginalized, her advocacy for gender inclusivity, and her legacy of service will forever remain etched in the hearts of Ghanaians.”

As tributes continue to pour in, Ghana mourns the passing of a matriarch, a reformer, and a symbol of empowerment, a woman whose influence transcended politics to touch the very soul of the nation.