By: Akua Oteng Amponsah
President John Mahama has announced that the government will be organizing a state burial for the late Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, the mother of the nation and former First Lady.
The announcement was made during a visit to the Rawlings family residence, where he expressed his condolences to the family.
“We’re waiting for the family to meet and tell us what their desires are. But I just want to announce as President that we shall give her a state funeral. We will work closely with the family. The family can do the traditional funeral after the state funeral. And so once we know what the dates are, we will do the program and the state will give her the full honors that she deserves as our former First Lady and Mother of the Nation,” he said.
President Mahama praised Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings for her contributions to national development, particularly in the area of women’s empowerment.
The President asserted that “Nana Konadu set a record in this country. The longest serving First Lady, 19 solid years… During the 19 years, she took women’s empowerment as her focus. And we know the work the 31st Women’s Movement did all over the country.”
He also expressed shock at her passing, saying, “I want to express my condolences on behalf of Lordina and I, on the passing of our mother. It actually came as a shock… The last time I saw her was at the Asantehemaa’s funeral and she was her lively self.”
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings passed away at the age of 76 after a short illness, leaving behind four children. The government will work closely with the family to organize a fitting tribute to her legacy.
