ACCRA, Oct 24 (The African Portal) – Prominent members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) have paid glowing tributes to the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, describing her as a foundational figure whose contributions to the party’s formation and Ghana’s democratic journey remain indelible.
Minister of Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, said that despite Nana Konadu’s decision to later form the National Democratic Party (NDP), her legacy in the NDC’s history remains unquestionable.
Speaking on Accra-based Citi Breakfast Show on Friday, October 24, Adams said the late former First Lady played a pivotal role in shaping the NDC’s vision and identity alongside her husband, the late former President Jerry John Rawlings.
“President Rawlings was the founding father, and Nana Konadu, if there is anything to say, was the one who carried and birthed that party,” Mr Adams said.
He added that her influence in the NDC was so profound that no honest account of the party’s history could be told without acknowledging her role.
“You can’t write the history of the NDC and leave out Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. Then you haven’t talked about the NDC,” he stated.
Adams noted that through her work with the 31st December Women’s Movement, Nana Konadu inspired many, particularly women, to join and remain committed to the party.
“There are people who are members of the NDC today because they believe the party was birthed by her,” he said. “Even in my constituency, Buem, there are people in the NDC because of the 31st December Women’s Movement and because of Nana Konadu.”
Similarly, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dzifa Abla Gomashie, described Nana Konadu as a trailblazer whose life and leadership left a lasting imprint on generations of Ghanaian women.
Speaking in an emotional tribute on the same programme, Madam Gomashie said the news of Nana Konadu’s death had left her heartbroken.
“I’m so crushed,” she said. “I met Mrs Rawlings when I was 19 years old. If we are fair and honest, we should give her all the credit as the one who was visible and laid the strong foundation upon which many of us have built our careers.”
Madam Gomashie praised the former First Lady for redefining the role of women in Ghanaian society, noting that her leadership through the 31st December Women’s Movement opened doors for women in public service and political life.
In a related development, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah led a delegation of senior government officials and party representatives to the Rawlings residence in Accra to commiserate with the family. The team signed the book of condolence and conveyed the government’s sympathies to the bereaved family.
The family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and solidarity during their period of mourning.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady, passed away on Thursday at the Ridge Hospital in Accra at the age of 76.
She served across both the military and civilian administrations of her husband; from the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) and the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) eras to the Fourth Republic.
She is widely remembered for her advocacy in women’s empowerment, grassroots mobilisation, and social development through the 31st December Women’s Movement.
