Parliament Adjourns Sitting Following the Death of Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings

Parliament Adjourns Sitting Following the Death of Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings Parliament has adjourned its sitting to honor the late Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, Ghana’s former First Lady and founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement.

JoyNews’ Parliamentary Affairs correspondent confirmed the announcement on Thursday right after news of her death emerged. Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, who was 76 years old, reportedly died at the Ridge Hospital in Accra after a short illness.  The official cause of death has not been disclosed. Reports about her passing initially came from Adom Online, which is part of the Multimedia Group, before spreading widely on social media.

 Nana Konadu served as First Lady from 1981 to 2001, alongside her late husband, Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings. She was well-known for her work in advancing women’s rights and community development. Through the 31st December Women’s Movement, she championed education for children in underserved communities and played a key role in empowering women both economically and socially. Her advocacy helped bring about the Intestate Succession Law, which strengthened inheritance rights for women across Ghana. Her efforts made her one of the most influential female political figures in Ghana’s history, earning her respect both at home and abroad.

National Reactions and Parliamentary Tribute.

The news of her death has led to tributes from political figures across different parties, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Many described her as a visionary leader and a symbol of courage who opened doors for women in public life. Parliament is expected to resume sittings after a short mourning period, with discussions likely focusing on how to officially honor the late former First Lady.

A Life of Service

Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings was born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast. She became First Lady when her husband, Jerry John Rawlings, rose to power as a military leader and later as a democratically elected president. They had four children, including Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, who serves as the Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle. Her husband passed away in November 2020, marking one of the most emotional moments in Ghana’s political history. As Ghanaians mourn yet another significant loss, tributes continue to come in for a woman whose legacy is firmly rooted in Ghana’s progress and the empowerment of its women.