The Government of Ghana has officially set Friday, November 28, 2025, as the date for the state funeral of the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, to be held at the Independence Square in Accra.

This announcement, issued by the Ministry of Government Communications and signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to President John Dramani Mahama, honors her decades-long contributions to women’s and children’s rights, as well as national development.

Background on Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings

Born on November 17, 1948, Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings served as Ghana’s First Lady from 1981 to 2001, making her the longest-serving in the nation’s history. She was married to the late former President Jerry John Rawlings and played a pivotal role in social advocacy, founding the 31st December Women’s Movement to empower women through skills training, healthcare, and education initiatives.

Her influence extended to global platforms, such as advocating for the inclusion of the “girl-child” as the 12th critical area in the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action during the UN Conference on Women.In politics, she co-founded the National Democratic Congress (NDC) with her husband but later broke away in 2012 to establish the National Democratic Party (NDP). In 2016, she became the first woman to contest Ghana’s presidency on a major party ticket. She passed away recently (exact date not specified in announcements, but tributes indicate it occurred shortly before November 6, 2025), prompting widespread mourning and calls for a state honor.

Funeral Details and Preparations

• Date and Venue: Friday, November 28, 2025, at Independence Square, Accra. The event will be a national ceremony, reflecting her status as a trailblazer in women’s leadership and public service.
• Rationale: The state funeral recognizes her “invaluable contributions to the advancement of the rights of women and children in Ghana, and national development.” President Mahama had previously indicated during a condolence visit to the family that the state would provide a befitting burial.
• Tribute Submissions: The Agyeman-Rawlings family has invited the public, institutions, and well-wishers to submit tributes, photos, videos, and stories of her impact by November 20, 2025 (two weeks from the announcement). Send via email to TRIBUTES@NANAKONADU.ORG or deliver hard copies to the Office of Former President Rawlings at No. 1 Sekou Toure Link, Ridge, Accra (contact: 027 6500 008). Digital submissions are encouraged to preserve memories of her bold advocacy and signature African print style.

Public Reaction

Ghanaians have expressed gratitude for the state honors, with social media reactions highlighting her legacy of empowerment and resilience. Comments from figures like Prof. Agyemang Badu Akosa emphasize upholding her strength and vision.

The announcement has trended widely, with calls for a “national cake” to celebrate her fully funded by public resources. Further program details, including procession routes and live broadcasts, are expected soon. This funeral underscores Ghana’s tradition of honoring leaders who shaped its democratic and social fabric.