The notable stateswoman died in the early hours of Wednesday, 23 October 2025, at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge) in Accra. The cause of her death has not yet been confirmed and the Rawlings family has not issued a public statement at this time.
Born on 17 November 1948 in Cape Coast, Nana Konadu was 76 years old. She served as First Lady of Ghana during the administrations of the late President Jerry John Rawlings. While at Achimota School she met her future husband and later pursued higher education at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Beyond her role as First Lady, she became a leading advocate for women’s empowerment and social development. As leader of the 31 December Women’s Movement, she mobilised millions of Ghanaian women and oversaw the establishment of hundreds of preschool centres across the country.
She also made history when she ran for president in 2016, becoming one of Ghana’s first prominent female presidential candidates.
Her husband, former President Jerry John Rawlings, passed away in November 2020.
Her own passing marks a significant moment for Ghana, touching many who viewed her as a champion for women’s rights and national progress. As details continue to emerge, the country waits for an official statement from the Rawlings family.
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