Ghana To Accord Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings A State Funeral

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana will honour the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, with a state funeral. He made the declaration after visiting the family home at Ridge, Accra, with First Lady Lordina Mahama and Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, noting that arrangements will be agreed with the family before the ceremony.

The announcement follows an earlier directive for three days of national mourning from Oct. 24–26, during which flags flew at half-mast nationwide. The presidency described the observance as a tribute to Agyeman-Rawlings’ public service and influence.

Agyeman-Rawlings died in Accra on Oct. 23 at age 76, according to multiple Ghanaian outlets. She was Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady, holding the role for a cumulative 19 years during the administrations of her husband, Jerry John Rawlings.

In brief remarks at the family home, Mahama said the state would “give her the full honours she deserves,” while the family’s traditional funeral would follow the state rites. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, speaking for the family, expressed appreciation for the government’s support and the state-funeral decision.

Beyond her role as First Lady, Agyeman-Rawlings founded and led the 31st December Women’s Movement, which backed grassroots income-generation initiatives, such as oil-palm extraction and gari-processing, that supporters say continue to operate in parts of the country.

Further details on the date, venue and protocols for the state funeral will be released after consultations between government and the family.