Ghana’s Special Envoy for Reparations, Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, has described the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, as a towering figure in Ghana’s history whose contributions have not been fully appreciated.
Speaking in tribute following her passing at age 76 at the Ridge Hospital in Accra, Dr. Spio-Garbrah reflected on what he described as the “low moments” that followed the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) exit from power in 2001 — a period he said overshadowed Nana Konadu’s achievements and dedication to national development.
“There is a lot to reflect on, a lot to be said at the right time, but her greatness has not been fully appreciated partly because of the circumstances in which the NDC lost power and the unfortunate developments that took place after we lost power,” Dr. Spio-Garbrah told journalists in Accra on Thursday October 23.
“Her 31st December Women’s Movement was investigated in a very unfriendly manner by the Kufuor government at the time. The fact that she had to go to court for many years, and even her late husband, former President Rawlings, had to stand in court for hours—it was a low moment in Ghana’s democratic journey.”
Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady, played a defining role in promoting women’s empowerment and grassroots development.
She served in the role across both military and civilian administrations under her husband, the late former President Jerry John Rawlings — from the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) era in 1979, through the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) years, and into Ghana’s Fourth Republic until 2001.
Beyond her ceremonial duties, Nana Konadu emerged as one of Ghana’s most influential women in public life. Through her leadership of the 31st December Women’s Movement, she mobilised millions of Ghanaian women to pursue education, entrepreneurship, and leadership, helping to establish hundreds of preschools and community projects across the country.
Nana Konadu made history in 2016 as Ghana’s first female presidential candidate under the National Democratic Party (NDP), marking a bold step for women’s political participation in the country. She also championed key legislative reforms, including the Intestate Succession Law and Ghana’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Dr. Spio-Garbrah noted that he was yet to come to terms with her passing. “I have not come to terms with this truth so I can only express my grieve and my sorrow. If it turns out to be true and wish the family and all of us in Ghana and the whole of Africa really our condolences if it turns out to be true.”
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