A solemn burial service has been held for former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, on Friday November 28, at the Black Star Square in Accra.
The service was attended by people from all walks of life and it was followed by the burial at the Military Cemetery.
The burial service commenced with a procession of her mortal remains by military officers from the Independence Square, followed by scripture reading and prayers to commit her remains into the hands of God.
The longest-serving First Lady died on October 23, 2025 after a short illness.
Dignitaries who attended the burial service included President John Dramani Mahama and his wife Lordina Mahama, Vice President Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, former presidents John Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his wife, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Ex-Liberian President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and his Samira Bawumia.
Also present was the Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Bagbin, the Chief Justice (CJ) Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Members of Parliament (MPs), political parties, traditional leaders as well as the clergy and the general public. Before the service, a tall list of tributes beginning with her biography were read.
Her biography was followed by a tribute from her four children read by Kimathi Rawlings, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the party she founded National Democratic Party (NDP), the 31st December Women’s Movement, the 1966/67 year group of the Achimota School, and President John Mahama whose tribute was read by Presidential Advisor, Joyce Bawa Bogtari.
President Mahama in his heartfelt tribute to the late Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, described her as a towering national figure whose influence, courage and leadership shaped generations.
He prayed for her peaceful rest and emphasised that her legacy would continue to guide Ghana toward a more just and equitable society.
“Fare thee well, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. Ghana will remember you,” the President said.
The 31st December Women’s Movement honoured her for pioneering women’s empowerment and advancing gender rights across Ghana. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) praised her foundational work in promoting social justice and strengthening grassroots political mobilisation.
Hymns, prayers and traditional rites marked the ceremony as mourners reflected on her decades of service to national development. After the final honours were performed, the procession moved from the Black Star Square to the Tse Ado Military Cemetery, where Nana Konadu was laid to rest.
She was buried near the grave of former United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Kofi Annan, a symbolic placement that underscores her stature as one of Ghana’s most distinguished public figures.
The national farewell follows a requiem mass held on Wednesday at the Accra Ridge Church, where family members, friends and dignitaries offered tributes that underscored the depth of her contribution to Ghana’s political and social development.
There were also tribute delivered by the Aboatia Family of Mpobi, her children, grandchildren, siblings, and close associates. The family described her as a towering figure whose strength, compassion and discipline shaped generations.
“She carried the family’s honour with dignity,” they said, recalling her role as a unifier and pillar of moral guidance.
The eldest daughter of the former First Lady, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings at the Black Star Square event expressed gratitude and appreciation to President Mahama, the Chief of Defence Staff and all who supported in the burial of their mother.
“I stand here on behalf of the entire family, on behalf of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Funeral Planning Committee, the Agyeman-Rawlings’ family to express our profound gratitude for the honours done to our mother.
We are grateful for the strength ad the support that has been offered to us. We would like to express our appreciation to His Excellency the President for the state burial in honour of her Excellency Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings,” she noted in her vote of thanks.
By Gifty Boateng