A solemn calm is expected to blanket the Black Star Square on Friday as Ghanaians from all walks of life gather to bid farewell to the country’s longest-serving First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, as she is laid to rest.

Final preparations at the venue were completed on Thursday, November 27, with security agencies and State protocol teams working closely to ensure a dignified ceremony befitting her immense national stature and royal lineage. The State Funeral is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m., drawing State officials, political leaders, diplomats, parliamentarians, traditional rulers, gender advocates, clergy, and other distinguished guests.

Ahead of the funeral, a solemn Requiem Mass was held on Wednesday, November 26, at the Accra Ridge Church, where heartfelt prayers and tributes underscored the profound mark she left on the nation. Her family expressed deep appreciation to Ghanaians for the overwhelming support shown since her passing on October 23, 2025.

Nana Konadu — Founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement — is widely celebrated as a transformational leader whose courage, activism, and unwavering advocacy for women’s rights significantly shaped Ghana’s development narrative. Public tributes have hailed her as “a true national treasure,” “an indomitable spirit,” and “a beacon of women’s empowerment.” Among them was a message from Switzerland’s Ambassador to Ghana, Simone Giger, who commended her steadfast dedication to gender equality.

Beyond her political and civic endeavours, Nana Konadu was known for her vibrant appreciation of fashion, music, dance, and the creative arts. Her signature elegance and confidence made her a lasting symbol of cultural pride.

Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast to J.O.T. Agyeman and Felicia Agyeman, both of blessed memory, she grew up deeply rooted in discipline, ambition, and leadership as a descendant of Ashanti royalty. She attended Achimota School and later pursued a degree in Arts with a focus on Textile Design at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where she served as Deputy SRC Secretary, later SRC Secretary, and held active roles in the National Union of Ghana Students.

Her pursuit of knowledge was extensive. She earned a diploma in Interior Design from the London College of Arts; a Diploma in Advanced Personnel Management from the Management Development and Productivity Institute (1979); a Certificate in Development from GIMPA (1991); and a Senior Fellow Diploma in Policy Studies and Non-Profit Sector Economic Development from Johns Hopkins University (1994).

Her professional journey included work with Union Trading Company from 1974 to 1980 and later with Nanali Africarts between 1980 and 1984. During this period, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement, a groundbreaking organisation that redefined women’s socio-economic empowerment across Ghana.

In 1977, she married Jerry John Rawlings, then an Air Force officer who went on to serve as Head of State and later President. Their marriage, blessed with four children — Zanetor, Yaa Asantewaa, Amina, and Kimathi — became a powerful partnership that shaped Ghana’s political landscape and advanced the cause of gender equality.

As the nation prepares to honour her life and legacy, Friday’s ceremony at the Black Star Square is expected to be a moment of profound reflection on a woman whose influence spanned generations and whose impact will endure for years to come.