The Right Honorable Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has paid a glowing tribute to the late former First Lady, Her Excellency Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, celebrating her as a “mother in many respects” and a “towering emblem of women empowerment” whose impact transcended political and ethnic lines.
Speaker Bagbin, reflecting on first meeting her during the revolution days, highlighted her dedication to her father’s advice, “it takes a woman, to build a family,” which was also the title of her book. He celebrated her for her bold persona and unwavering commitment to what she believed was right until the very end.
The Speaker acknowledged that Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings was there from the inception of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), standing firm behind her husband, the late Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, and guiding him to success. Crucially, he noted that she worked to ensure her legacy was not solely tied to another personality, leaving her own indelible imprint on Ghana’s history.
Speaker Bagbin compared her memory to the “ferocity of the great Ashanti Queenmother, Yaa Asantewaa,” predicting her life would remain a “loud echo” in the nation’s history. He stressed that she was more than just a spousal support, possessing “strategic vision, organizational strength, and a clear belief that social justice included gender justice.” Bagbin described Nana Konadu as a “force of nature” and a present reminder of courage, asserting that without her, Ghana’s democracy may not have become the shining example it is today.
Through the 31st December Women’s Movement and her tireless advocacy, she championed millions of women, insisting that Ghanaian women deserved visibility, opportunity, and power, thereby working fiercely to rewrite old narratives. Speaker Bagbin credited her consistent passion and advocacy for pushing NDC members who rose through the ranks to think differently and make room for women in decision-making.
He concluded by saluting her legacy and dedication to fairness, stating that while Ghana has lost a mother, generations of women will continue to walk through the doors she opened, encouraging young girls to believe that leadership has no gender.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
