The grandchildren of the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, moved mourners to tears on Friday, November 28, with an emotional tribute during her funeral service, describing her as their eternal hero and a towering example of strength, grace and unapologetic power.
Reading the family tribute at the Accra International Conference Centre, the grandchildren said the memories and lessons from their grandmother would live on forever.
“She is and will always be my hero. She leaves behind memories that time can never erase – memories, stories, and impact that will linger on. The greatest way we can honour her is by living fully, boldly, and joyfully as she did. Now is our turn to follow her lead,” they said.
They praised how Nana Konadu shaped their understanding of womanhood, teaching them that being a woman is not defined by sacrifice alone but by resilience, vibrancy, humour, grace and the fearless embrace of one’s own power.
“She was fierce when the world demanded strength and gentle when the world needed softness,” the tribute continued.
The grandchildren also celebrated her iconic fashion sense, her passionate promotion of Ghanaian arts and culture, and fond memories of watching her host the beloved children’s programme By the Fireside.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady, passed away on October 23, 2025. She was married to the late former President Jerry John Rawlings and held the position of First Lady during the AFRC regime (June–September 1979), the PNDC era (1981–1993), and the two constitutional terms of the NDC government (1993–2001).
A fierce advocate for women’s rights, she founded the influential 31st December Women’s Movement and later established the National Democratic Party (NDP), contesting the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections on its ticket.
Friday’s funeral service brought together family, dignitaries and ordinary Ghanaians to pay final respects to a woman whose courage, style and activism left an indelible mark on the nation for over four decades.