The Vice President of Ghana, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, on Monday led a high-powered government delegation to offer condolences to the family of the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. The delegation included senior government officials, ministers, and deputy ministers.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang explained that she received news of the former First Lady’s passing while abroad and deemed it important to join the family in mourning Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady.
“On behalf of His Excellency the President and the entire Government, we are here to express our deepest condolences to the family. We console the family, especially the children, on the loss of their mother,” she said, assuring them of government’s continued support during this difficult period.
The Vice President noted that the President could have personally led the delegation, but an emergency required his presence outside the country.
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“He asked that we come and engage with the family on his behalf. When he returns, he will continue from there,” she added.
Oheneba Akwesi Abeyie, the family head, briefed the delegation on the circumstances surrounding the former First Lady’s death, noting that she had been in good health until Thursday morning, when she suddenly fell ill and was rushed to the Ridge Hospital, where she passed away. The family had officially informed the Presidency and subsequently held a press conference to announce her death.
The outpouring of condolences from across the nation and beyond, he said, had been overwhelming.
Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle and daughter of the former First Lady, expressed profound gratitude to the government for its support. She described her mother as a dedicated servant of the nation who lived with dignity and purpose.
“She lived a good, long life and served her country with diligence, dignity, and dedication. The outpouring of love from across the nation, the continent, and the world has been overwhelming. We feel privileged to have been part of her story,” Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings said.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, widow of former President Jerry John Rawlings, served as Ghana’s First Lady from 1981 to 2001. She was a prominent advocate for women’s empowerment and the founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement, leaving a lasting legacy in social development and women’s leadership.
