Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia signing the book of condolence
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia yesterday led a delegation of some New Patriotic Party (NPP) officials to the residence of the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, to commiserate with the bereaved family.
Dr. Bawumia, accompanied by his wife, Samira Bawumia, expressed deep condolences to the family of the late stateswoman, who passed away on Thursday, October 23, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra.
The former Vice President also signed the book of condolence, describing Nana Konadu as a towering figure in Ghana’s political and social history.
The visit reflected a rare moment of unity and national reflection, as members of the NPP paid tribute to a woman whose life and work transcended partisan lines.
Dr. Bawumia praised the late former First Lady’s immense contributions to women’s empowerment, child welfare, and social development, noting that her legacy continues to inspire generations of Ghanaian women to aspire to leadership and public service.
The NPP delegation included prominent figures from the immediate past administration such as former Majority Leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu; former Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh; and former Works and Housing Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.
Their presence underscored the broad respect Nana Konadu commanded across the political spectrum, even among those who once stood on the opposite side of the political divide.
The solemn visit took place amid an outpouring of national grief, as tributes continued to flow from political leaders, traditional authorities, and citizens.
The government has already declared three days of national mourning in honour of the late First Lady, directing that all flags fly at half-mast across the country.
Among the mourners was the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, who also visited the family to sign the book of condolence in honour of the late First Lady.
Elikem Kotoko, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, added his voice to the tributes with a heartfelt reflection on how the country often waits until death to celebrate great achievers.
He described Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings as a visionary and a trailblazer whose pioneering efforts in politics and social activism deserved greater recognition while she was alive.
Several officials of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, were also present to pay their respects.
They included Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah; Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson; Roads and Highways Minister, Kwame Governs Agbodza; Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, COP (Rtd) Kofi Boakye, Kofi Okyere Darko, and Shamima Muslim.
Vice President Prof. Opoku-Agyemang shared comforting words and embraced Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings during the visit.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, who served as Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady, was widely celebrated for her leadership in advancing women’s rights and establishing the 31st December Women’s Movement.
By Ernest Kofi Adu