Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was one of Ghana’s most influential women: a former First Lady, a pioneering advocate for women’s rights, and a trailblazer in Ghanaian politics. Her life spanned decades of dramatic political and social change in Ghana and throughout, she remained a force for empowerment, activism, and transformation. This article explores her life story, career, controversies, financial standing, and enduring legacy.
Biography
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast, then part of the Gold Coast (modern-day Ghana). She came from a middle-class family: her father, J.O.T. Agyeman, was a public servant, and her mother, Felicia Agyeman, was an educator. Growing up in that environment, she was instilled with strong values about education and social responsibility.
For her secondary education, she attended the renowned Achimota School in Accra. Later she studied at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, specializing in Art and Textiles during the 1970s.
Her thirst for education continued beyond that initial degree. In 1975 she obtained a diploma in Interior Design from the London College of Arts. Shortly after, in 1979 she completed a diploma in Advanced Personnel Management at a Ghanaian institution (Management Development and Productivity Institute), and in 1991 she earned a certificate in development studies from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). She also completed a fellowship program in philanthropy and non-profit management at the Johns Hopkins University, Institute for Policy Studies in the United States, where she studied community organization, fundraising and tax policy.
In 1977 she married Jerry John Rawlings — then a young Air Force officer. Their union would later place her in the national spotlight as Ghana underwent cycles of military and civilian rule. The couple had four children: Zanetor, Yaa Asantewaa, Amina, and Kimathi.
Towards the end of her life, her influence remained considerable. She passed away on October 23, 2025, in Accra, at age 76.
Career Overview
First Lady of Ghana
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings served as First Lady of Ghana during two distinct periods. First briefly from June 4, 1979 to September 24, 1979 under the initial rule of her husband. Then for a prolonged period — from December 31, 1981 until January 7, 2001 — during her husband’s long tenure, making her the longest-serving First Lady in Ghana’s history.
Unlike traditional First Ladies whose roles were often symbolic, she turned the position into a platform for activism, social reform, and grassroots mobilisation.
Founding of the 31st December Women’s Movement
Perhaps her most enduring legacy is the founding, in 1982, of the 31st December Women’s Movement (DWM). Under her leadership, the movement grew to include more than two million women across Ghana.
The DWM prioritized women’s socio-economic empowerment: it established over 870 pre-schools and early childhood education centers nationwide, provided training in vocational skills, supported income-generating cooperatives, promoted adult literacy, advocated for family planning, and encouraged greater participation of women in governance.
The DWM also played a significant role in legislative advocacy. Because of this activism, laws and policies changed: the passage of the Intestate Succession Law (PNDCL 111) helped secure inheritance rights for widows and children. Her efforts also contributed to shaping gender-equality provisions in Ghana’s 1992 constitution.
Later Political Engagement
After the rule of her husband ended, Nana Konadu remained politically active. In 2009 she became First Vice Chairperson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the party her husband helped found.
In 2011 she sought the NDC’s presidential nomination but lost. In 2012, following internal disagreements, she parted ways with NDC and established the National Democratic Party (NDP).
In 2016, she made history by becoming the first woman to run for President of Ghana under the NDP umbrella. Though she secured only a small share of the vote, her candidacy was widely symbolic and groundbreaking. In 2018 she published her memoir, It Takes a Woman, reflecting on her journey of leadership and activism.
Controversies and Criticisms
As a prominent public figure, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings attracted both admiration and criticism. Some critics described her as overly ambitious and defiant, especially when she challenged traditional gender roles and norms in Ghanaian society.
Her decision to found a new political party (NDP) after leaving NDC was also controversial. It drew accusations of political opportunism and fragmentation of opposition voices.
Moreover, though her 2016 presidential run was historic, some critics argued it was symbolic rather than realistic — pointing to the small percentage of votes she secured, which they claimed undermined her political legitimacy.
Despite criticisms, many of her supporters maintained that she challenged deep-seated traditions, opening space for women’s civic and political participation in a profoundly conservative context. For many, her boldness and leadership style were not flaws but necessary for change.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Public sources estimate that Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings had a net worth between US$1 million and US$5 million at the time of her death. This figure suggests a modest wealth compared to the influence she wielded.
Her financial standing reportedly stemmed from a combination of her background in graphic design, her engagements and public life, and shared assets with her late husband, who had held power for many years.
Because she was always engaged in public service and activism, her wealth was not the defining aspect of her legacy; rather, the institutions she built, and the societal changes she helped bring about, carried greater weight.
Legacy and Significance
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings left behind a legacy that few in Ghana, or Africa at large, can match. As First Lady, she redefined the role turning it from a ceremonial title into a platform for social change, women’s empowerment, and national development.
Through the 31st December Women’s Movement, she mobilized millions of women, expanded access to early childhood education with hundreds of preschools, promoted adult literacy and vocational training, and provided women with economic opportunities.
Her activism contributed to legal reforms that reshaped Ghanaian society including inheritance rights for widows and children (Intestate Succession Law), gender-equality provisions in the constitution, and broader recognition of women’s rights.
Her attempt to run for president, though unsuccessful, broke a barrier and sent a strong message that women can and should aspire to the highest political offices. That boldness inspired many younger women to enter politics and civic activism.
Many remember her as “Mother of the Nation,” “Iron Lady,” and a tireless champion for social justice. Her life demonstrated that public roles assigned by birth or marriage can and should be leveraged for meaningful change and empowerment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When was Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings born?
She was born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast, Gold Coast (now Ghana).
What education did she receive?
She studied Art and Textiles at KNUST. Later she earned a diploma in Interior Design from the London College of Arts (1975), a diploma in Advanced Personnel Management (1979), a certificate in Development Studies from GIMPA (1991), and completed a fellowship in Nonprofit Management at Johns Hopkins University.
What is the 31st December Women’s Movement?
The 31st December Women’s Movement is a grassroots NGO founded by Nana Konadu in 1982. It worked across Ghana to empower women socially, economically, and politically. It mobilized over two million women and created more than 870 preschools, promoted literacy, family planning, vocational training, and encouraged women’s political participation.
When did she serve as First Lady of Ghana?
She served first from June 4, 1979 to September 24, 1979, and then from December 31, 1981 to January 7, 2001.
Did she run for president?
Yes. In 2016 she became the first woman in Ghana to run for president, under her own party, the National Democratic Party (NDP), which she founded after leaving NDC.
What was her estimated net worth?
Public estimates put her net worth between US$1 million and US$5 million at the time of her death.
When did she pass away?
She died on October 23, 2025, at Ridge Hospital in Accra, at the age of 76.
Conclusion
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings lived a life defined by bold choices, relentless advocacy, and a profound commitment to uplift others. From her youth in Cape Coast to her years as Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady, she used every opportunity to challenge the status quo.
Disclaimer: This biography is compiled from publicly available information and is meant solely for informational purposes. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, certain details may vary or be open to interpretation.
