The children of the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, have delivered heartfelt tributes to their mother, honouring her life of courage, activism and unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment.
Speaking at the final funeral rites on Friday, 28 November, at Independence Square, Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings reflected on the depth of his mother’s influence and the nation’s late acknowledgement of her work.
“She never received the full recognition she deserved. It saddens me that some of it is arriving only now that she is gone,” he said.
Kimathi said his mother’s determination to push boundaries transformed public expectations of women in leadership.
“She redefined the role of the First Lady. Nana Konadu refused the idea that women existed only to be dependent on their husbands,” he noted. He added that her life proved that “purpose, conviction and courage can disrupt traditions and inspire generations.”
Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings described her mother as an enduring source of strength and guidance.
“I feel profoundly blessed to have had you as a mother and role model. Your legacy lives on through the lessons you taught us, the love you shared and the examples you set,” she said, praising her discipline, compassion and boldness.
Their tributes followed a glowing homage from the Aboatia Family of Mpobi, who described Nana Konadu as a courageous daughter who uplifted generations and championed the rights of women and children.
The family said she carried their name “to places of honour both at home and across the world” and lived by a biblical mandate to defend the voiceless.
They hailed her lifelong advocacy as a “living testimony” of strength and compassion, adding that although she is no longer in their sight, her legacy endures. To them, she was a role model “their Yaa Asantewaa” whose path continues to inspire many across Ghana and beyond.
