Ghana and the international community are in mourning following the passing of former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the age of 76. Her death, which occurred at the Ridge Hospital in Accra after a short illness, has prompted a widespread outpouring of tributes from leaders, institutions, and citizens who remember her as a pivotal figure in Ghana's history and a relentless champion of women's empowerment.

Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf expressed deep sorrow, describing Nana Konadu as more than a friend, but family. She hailed the late First Lady as a woman of strength, faith, and purpose, highlighting their relationship beyond diplomacy. Mrs. Johnson Sirleaf paid tribute to her lifelong commitment to women's empowerment, steadfast devotion to faith, and national service, urging her daughters to continue her honorable journey. Similarly, former President John Agyekum Kufuor emphasized Nana Konadu's indispensable role in Ghana’s history, stating that her contributions to national development and women’s empowerment will remain enduring and etched in granite. He recalled a surprising encounter with her just a day before her passing, underscoring the suddenness of her departure.

President John Mahama declared three days of national mourning, from Friday, October 24, to Sunday, October 26, 2025, directing all national flags to fly at half-mast. He described her as a distinguished national figure whose legacy was defined by courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to public service, women's empowerment, child welfare, and social justice. The Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, also contributed to the tributes, recognizing her as a woman of “remarkable vision, courage, and conviction,” whose advocacy for gender equality and social justice left an indelible mark on Ghana.

Government ministries and national institutions joined in honoring her legacy. The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection lauded Nana Konadu's visionary leadership and dedication to advancing the rights and well-being of women and children in Ghana. They specifically highlighted her role as Founder and President of the 31st December Women’s Movement, through which she championed literacy, vocational training, income-generating programmes, and established hundreds of preschools and child development centers. Her influence extended internationally, notably her participation in the 1995 Beijing Conference on Women and her pivotal role in Ghana's early ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1991.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, through the Director of Police Public Affairs, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, assured the bereaved family of full police support for the funeral. The Police Service acknowledged her significant impact on their institution, particularly in advancing women’s leadership, leading to increased female recruitment and appointments to senior management roles. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu reflected on her strength and dignity, noting her foundational role and financial contributions to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in its early, struggling years. He recalled her commitment to women's development through initiatives like commissioning a bread-baking facility in Tamale.

Political groups and individuals also paid their respects. The Progressive Alliance for Ghana (PAG) remembered her as a champion of women’s rights and a pillar of public activism. Senior Presidential Aide Joyce Bawah Mogtari described her as a pioneering figure whose unwavering commitment left a lasting impact, also noting her distinctive style of turbans and elegant African prints as symbols of cultural pride. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim underscored her indispensable contribution to women's empowerment in Ghana, emphasizing how the 31st December Women’s Movement mobilized countless women for economic activity and unleashed their potential. Shamima also praised her steadfast support for her husband, former President Jerry John Rawlings.

Beyond national leadership, Nana Konadu's impact resonated deeply at a personal level. Sports journalist Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo recounted how the 31st December Women’s Movement's initiative to build his village’s first school in 1991 fundamentally altered his life, sparking his lifelong fascination with language and leading him to journalism. This personal testimony powerfully illustrates the transformative power of her inclusive educational policies. The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) also paid tribute, recognizing her as a strong supporter of the arts and Ghana’s cultural heritage. MUSIGA highlighted her guidance and collaboration, particularly in planning the tribute concert for former President Jerry John Rawlings, reflecting her belief in the synergy between culture and service for national development.

As funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family, Ghana continues to mourn the loss of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, a stateswoman whose visionary leadership, courage, and dedication profoundly shaped modern Ghana, particularly in advancing the cause of women and children.