President John Dramani Mahama has declared a three-day national mourning following the passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.
The three-day national morning begins today, Friday, October 24, and will end on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
In a statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, on Friday, October 24 read, “Following the passing of H.E. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, former First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama has, on behalf of the government, declared three days of national mourning from today, Friday 24 October to Sunday 26 October 2025.
During this period, all national flags shall fly at half-mast at all public buildings, diplomatic missions, and government installations throughout the country and abroad”.
The statement further added, “This is in honour of her memory and in recognition of her distinguished service to our nation. Mr Agyeman-Rawlings served Ghana with dedication and commitment, particularly in women’s empowerment, child welfare, and social development.
The Government extends its deepest condolences to the family, her children, and all who mourn this irreplaceable loss.
May her soul rest in perfect peace”.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings died at the age of 76 years old.
According to reports, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was reportedly admitted to the Ridge Hospital in Accra, where she was receiving medical treatment.
The reports suggest he was unwell for some time and was under medical supervision.
Sources revealed the late First Lady passed away in the early hours of Thursday, 23 October, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra.
She served as Ghana’s longest First Lady from 1981 to 2001 as the wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings.
Serving from June 4, 1979, to September 24, 1979, under the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC).
Also from December 31, 1981, to January 6, 1993, under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), and also during her husband’s two constitutional terms from January 7, 1993, to January 6, 2001.
In 2012, she left the NDC and formed the National Democratic Party (NDP) as their was the founder and leader, but the Electoral Commission (EC) disqualified her and 11 other presidential candidates.
She also created the 31st December Women’s Movement (DWM) in 1982, a movement created to empower women in Ghana through initiatives promoting entrepreneurship, education, and political participation.
The Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was part of the dignitaries who laid wreaths for the eight public servants who died in the August 6th helicopter crash.
Her most recent public appearance was participation in the Dote Yie funeral rites for the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, where she was accompanied by two of her adult children, Amina Agyeman-Rawlings and Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings.
Meanwhile, the family of the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, has urged Ghanaians to give the family some privacy as they mourn the passing of their mother.
Speaking to a Journalist in Accra on Thursday, October 23, the head of the family, Oheneba Akwesi Abayie, revealed all relevant institutions have been officially notified of the former first lady’s death.
Oheneba Akwesi Abayie stated, “His Excellency, the President John Dramani Mahama, has called for an official statement to be made confirming Nana Kunodu’s death.
At this stage, the family is obviously in mourning and will crave your indulgence to give us some privacy. All further notices will be relayed by the government,” he stated.
See the statement below:
Three Days of National Mourning declared for Former First Lady. pic.twitter.com/QUuLJCE5D6
— Felix Kwakye Ofosu (@FelixKwakyeOfo1) October 24, 2025