Nana Konadu will be given a state burial – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the late former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman‑Rawlings will be accorded a state funeral, as the nation mourns her passing.

At a condolence visit to the Rawlings family’s residence on Ridge in Accra on Tuesday, President Mahama praised Nana Konadu’s record-setting service and called the anniversary of her death an occasion for national reflection.

“All of us will be called by God one day. We don’t know when,” he said, stressing the transient nature of life and leadership.

Noting her distinction as Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady, 19 consecutive years, he remarked, “Nana Konadu set a record in this country.

She was the longest serving First Lady, for 19 solid years, and with the constitution we have, nobody can ever break that record. The maximum anybody will do is 8 years.”

President Mahama highlighted Nana Konadu’s focus on women’s empowerment during her tenure.

“During the 19 years, she took women’s empowerment as her focus. We know the 31st December Movement and what they did all over the country,” he said.

He pointed out the enduring impact of her work: “Even until today, when you go round the country, on the campaign trail, you see evidence of her work.”

Expressing the government’s solidarity with the family, he added: “On behalf of the people and government of Ghana, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and to say that we will work closely with the family. We are waiting for the family to meet and tell us what their desire is but I just want to announce that as President, we shall give her a state funeral. The state will give her the full honours as our former First Lady and mother of the nation.”

Nana Konadu’s passing marks the end of a formidable chapter in Ghanaian politics.

She served as First Lady during both the military and civilian administrations of her husband, former President Jerry John Rawlings, from June 4, 1979 to September 24, 1979, and then again from December 31, 1981 until January 7, 2001.

Her legacy is especially tied to the establishment of the 31st December Women’s Movement, which she founded to advance women’s rights, education and social participation across Ghana.

President Mahama’s tributes shines the limelight on how the former first lady’s influence extended beyond ceremonial duties into substantive grassroots change.

The state funeral signals recognition of her national status and opens a period of official mourning and tribute.

Details around the funeral arrangements are expected to be announced following consultations between the government and the Rawlings family.

Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at age 76. She is survived by three children including the Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings.