Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings memorial mass set for October 23

The family of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings has scheduled a memorial mass for October 23, 2026, to mark the first anniversary of her passing. The service will take place at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Adabraka, Accra, beginning at 10:00 AM and concluding by midday. Organized to commemorate her life and contributions to the nation, the family has invited the public to join the remembrance, requesting that attendees wear either white or black and white attire.

Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings served as Ghana’s First Lady from 1981 to 2001, a tenure during which she significantly redefined the role and visibility of the office. She was a prominent advocate for women’s empowerment and grassroots development, most notably as the founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement. Her leadership was instrumental in the construction of numerous early childhood development centers across Ghana, which improved educational accessibility for children in impoverished communities. On the international stage, she played a vital role during the 1995 Beijing Conference, championing the rights of women and children and influencing legal frameworks to support gender equality in Ghana.

Beyond her social advocacy, Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings was an influential figure in Ghana’s political evolution. She contributed to the founding of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and later established the National Democratic Party (NDP), leaving a lasting imprint on the country's multi-party democracy. Her legacy is remembered for its focus on increasing women's participation in politics and ensuring that gender issues remained at the forefront of national discourse. The upcoming memorial mass serves as a moment for the nation to reflect on her decades of service and the enduring impact of her initiatives on Ghanaian society.