Family Invites Public to Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings’ First Anniversary Memorial Mass

The family of the late former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings has invited the public to a memorial mass on Friday, October 23, 2026, to mark the first anniversary of her death.

The memorial mass will be held at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Adabraka, Accra, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

Members of the public attending the service have been encouraged to wear white or black-and-white attire in honour of the late former First Lady.

In a statement dated October 22, 2026, the family described Nana Konadu as a devoted mother, grandmother and aunt, as well as a distinguished gender advocate whose work helped redefine the role of First Ladies in Ghana.

She died on October 23, 2025.

Nana Konadu served as First Lady of Ghana from 1981 to 2001, during which she became a prominent advocate for women’s empowerment, children’s rights, grassroots development and poverty alleviation.

Through the 31st December Women’s Movement, which she founded, she championed early childhood education and community development across the country.

The movement established more than 1,000 early childhood development centres with support from donor agencies, international organisations and local communities. The centres helped expand access to pre-school education, particularly for children in rural communities and underserved urban neighbourhoods.

Beyond Ghana, Nana Konadu played a significant role in international advocacy for women’s rights, including at the 1995 United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China.

Her advocacy also extended to regional peace initiatives involving First Ladies in West Africa and across the African continent.

According to the family, her sustained efforts to promote the welfare of women and children contributed to the advancement of legal and constitutional protections in Ghana, including provisions under the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560).

The family said her legacy would continue to inspire generations of women and children in Ghana and beyond, particularly through her commitment to equality, education and community development.

It has therefore called on the public to join family members, friends, associates and well-wishers in commemorating her life and reflecting on her contributions to national development.

The memorial mass is expected to provide an opportunity for mourners and members of the public to pay tribute to the former First Lady on the first anniversary of her passing.