National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has paid glowing tribute to the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, describing her passing as a major loss to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the nation.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Thursday, October 30, Mr. Vanderpuye said the news of her death came as a shock, especially as the NDC was preparing to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the passing of its founder, former President Jerry John Rawlings, who was her husband.
“It’s quite a difficult time for us, we just met and were preparing for the 5th anniversary of the passing of the founder of the party, H.E. Jerry John Rawlings.
“For her to say bye to us at this point was very unexpected, and it’s a big blow because it’s going to make every plan for the anniversary difficult. Because what are we going to do? Do her funeral on the same day as the anniversary, or put the anniversary on hold?” he asked
Mr. Vanderpuye praised the late former First Lady for her remarkable influence, noting that she redefined the role of First Ladies in Africa and inspired generations of women.
“She was not just an ordinary Ghanaian; she was a powerful international woman. Nana Konadu’s statue went beyond the borders of this country. She really inspired a lot of African women. She brought the position of First Lady to the fore; she was the most prominent, active, and popular African First Lady.
Mr Vanderpuye added, “She even rubbed shoulders with some of the Western First Ladies. It’s a big blow to us as a party, even though she formed her own party. Nobody expected it.”
Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra. She served as Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady, spanning both military and civilian administrations, and was celebrated for her commitment to women’s rights, child welfare, and social progress.
Source: CitiNewsroom
