The Last Bow of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings at Manhyia Palace
In what turned out to be her final public appearance at the Manhyia Palace, the late Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was seen paying homage to His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, during the Asantehemaa’s dɔte yie on September 18, 2025.
The former First Lady, who was herself of Asante royal lineage, attended the solemn ceremony with her children — Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings and Kimathi Rawlings — as they joined Asanteman and dignitaries from around the world to bid farewell to Nana Konadu Yiadom III, the late Queen Mother of Asanteman.
Her presence that day was deeply felt, symbolising both respect and connection to her roots. Together with her family, she extended condolences to the Asantehene and participated in the rites that marked one of the grandest royal funerals in Ghana’s recent history.
For many, the image of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings paying homage to the Asantehene now stands as a poignant reminder — a moment that quietly marked her final bow before her own passing.
About Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings
Born in Cape Coast in the Central Region, Nana Konadu received her early education at Ghana International School and Achimota School, where she met Jerry John Rawlings. She later attended the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), studying Art and Textiles and serving as a student leader at Africa Hall.
Her pursuit of education continued abroad and locally. She obtained a diploma in Interior Design from the London College of Arts in 1975, a diploma in Advanced Personnel Management from the Management Development and Productivity Institute in 1979, and a certificate in Development from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in 1991.
She also took advanced courses at Johns Hopkins University and the Institute for Policy Studies in Baltimore, USA, earning recognition for her work in philanthropy and non-profit development.
In 1982, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement, which became one of the most influential women’s empowerment organisations in Ghana, championing women’s rights, education, and entrepreneurship.
Within the National Democratic Congress (NDC), she rose to become the party’s First Vice Chairperson in 2009. In 2011, she contested then-President John Evans Atta Mills for the NDC’s presidential nomination but was unsuccessful.
Nana Konadu made history in 2016 when she became the first woman to contest for the presidency of Ghana.
Her tenure as First Lady remains unmatched, spanning multiple political eras—from the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) in 1979 to the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) from 1981 to 1993, and later as Ghana’s civilian First Lady from 1993 to 2001 during her husband’s two presidential terms.
Story by Adwoa S. Danso
