By Ashiadey Dotse
The children of the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, have paid a heartfelt tribute, describing her as the “queen of our hearts,” whose values, courage, and service to Ghana will continue to guide them for the rest of their lives.
“Mom, queen of our hearts, your legacy lives on through the lessons you taught us, the love you shared, and the example you set,” they said.
The children also said their mother lived with a strong conviction that shaped both their family and the nation. According to them, she was a tireless patriot who loved Ghana deeply and took every opportunity to contribute to its progress.
They recalled her leadership of the 31st December Women’s Movement, which established nearly a thousand early childhood centres, supported adult literacy, created income-generating activities, and pushed for legal reforms that improved inheritance rights for women and children. They described her as a woman of action who never only advocated but personally worked to solve problems.
The children said Nana Konadu’s commitment to women’s empowerment and children’s rights, including her role in championing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, continues to shape Ghana today. They noted that she lived by clear values, refusing to settle for what she believed was wrong or uncertain.
They added that she was a visionary with sharp instincts and remarkable energy, qualities that also strengthened the leadership of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings. They said their father trusted her deeply because of her ability to see possibilities and understand risks long before others did.
As a mother and grandmother, the family described her as loving, protective, playful, wise, and sometimes strict, but always kind. They fondly remembered her humour, storytelling, and joyful love for music and dance.
The children added that they are committed to walking in her footsteps with the strength and dignity she embodied, noting that they miss both their mother and father dearly.
