Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed profound sorrow over the death of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, describing her as an extraordinary woman whose contributions to women’s empowerment and national development will be remembered for generations.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 23, 2025, the former President said he and his wife, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, were “deeply saddened by the news of the untimely passing of the wife of the late first President of the Fourth Republic, His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings, the longest-serving First Lady in Ghana’s history and the Founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement”.
Akufo-Addo praised Mrs. Rawlings as a “role model for women in Ghana and across Africa,” noting that her dedication to gender advocacy and women’s empowerment has left a lasting impact on the nation.
“Her unwavering commitment to advancing the women’s movement in Ghana and Africa will never be forgotten. She was a warm, affectionate woman with a wonderful sense of humour and a delightful presence,” he said.
The former President extended his condolences to the children and family of the late former First Lady, offering prayers for comfort and strength in their time of grief.
“Rebecca, my children and I extend our deepest sympathies to her children and family on this sad occasion. May her soul rest peacefully in the bosom of the Almighty until the Day of Resurrection, when we shall meet again,” Akufo-Addo added.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement and wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, was celebrated for her pioneering advocacy for women’s rights, education, and social welfare in Ghana and across Africa.
