Traders at the 31st December Market “Makola” have reacted to the passing of former first lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.
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.
Speaking to the media, one of the traders who was visibly heartbroken stated, “When Rawlings died, it pained me a lot. This woman did not treat Rawlings right. I am an NDC member, but I don’t want the NDC to bury her; the NPP should bury her”.
Another stated, “Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, may God rest your soul. Zanetor, stay strong. She is the one on my heart”.
One more trader stated, “We just heard of her death this afternoon. It is very sad, she was part of the people who built the market for us. The school she built in the market help women send their wards to school.
She built a school in the market for us. She has done a lot for us. Some people come with their children to the market and send them to school while they go on with their businesses in the market”, she added.
The 31st December Market in Ghana’s capital is now known as “Makola”. The market, which has been known as Makola for years, was changed to 31st December Market by the former National Democratic Congress (NDC) government and adopted by the former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, as part of her 31st December Movement.
Meanwhile, 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”.
Watch the video below:
WATCH: Traders at 31st December Market react to the passing of former first lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings#MetroNews pic.twitter.com/TkeDtk1bXG
— Metro TV Ghana (@metrotvgh) October 23, 2025