The grandchildren of the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, paid a deeply emotional tribute to her during her funeral rites on Friday, November 28, celebrating the remarkable legacy she leaves behind.
They described her as a woman whose influence shaped their lives in lasting ways, calling her their hero and a symbol of courage and joy.
“She is and will always be my hero. She leaves behind memories that time can never erase. The greatest way we can honour her is by living fully, boldly and joyfully as she did. Now is our turn to follow her lead,” they shared, inviting Ghanaians to remember her by embodying her fearless spirit.
Reflecting on the values she instilled, they highlighted her belief in strength and resilience as essential qualities, especially for women. She taught them that womanhood thrives not only in sacrifice but in confidence, humour and grace.
“She was fierce when the world demanded strength and gentle when the world needed softness,” they said, noting the balance she embodied throughout her life.
Her grandchildren also celebrated her vibrant sense of style and her love for Ghanaian arts and culture. They fondly recalled moments from her well-loved storytelling programme, By the Fireside, which left a cultural imprint on many Ghanaian children.
Nana Konadu passed away on October 23, 2025. She was the wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings and Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady, occupying the role from the AFRC era in 1979, through the PNDC years, and into the democratic Fourth Republic until 2001.
More than a First Lady, she stood as a champion for women’s empowerment. She founded the 31st December Women’s Movement, which advocated for the rights and economic advancement of women nationwide. She later established the National Democratic Party (NDP) and contested the 2016 presidential election.
Her passion for activism, her bold political journey and her commitment to Ghana’s cultural identity made her a unique figure in national history.
As the nation bids farewell, family, friends and admirers honour a woman whose voice changed conversations and whose influence will continue to shape generations to come.