Ghana’s Former First Lady Nana Agyeman-Rawlings Dies at 76

Ghana’s former First Lady and renowned women’s rights advocate, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, has passed away at the age of 76.

She was the widow of the late Jerry John Rawlings, Ghana’s longest-serving leader, who ruled both as a military head of state and later as an elected president. Agyeman-Rawlings reportedly died on Thursday morning after a brief illness, according to presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu. Her family formally informed President John Mahama of her passing later that day.

A trailblazer in Ghanaian politics, she championed women’s empowerment and played a key role in advancing gender inclusion across the nation. In honour of her legacy, Ghana’s parliament adjourned its session, reflecting her influence on the country’s political and social landscape.

Tributes have since flooded social media, celebrating her as a pioneering figure whose advocacy inspired generations of women to pursue leadership and public service. The nation is now preparing to mourn one of its most iconic matriarchs of democracy and equality.

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