Family invites public to Nana Konadu memorial mass on October 23

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

The mass will be held at the Holy Spirit Cathedral at Adabraka in Accra, beginning at 10 a.m. and ending by midday. Members of the public have been encouraged to wear white or black-and-white attire.

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 reshape the role of First Ladies in Ghana.

She died on October 23, 2025.

Nana Konadu served as First Lady from 1981 to 2001 and became a prominent voice in campaigns 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. The movement constructed more than 1,000 early childhood development centres across the country, 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 poor urban neighbourhoods.

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

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

The family said her advocacy for women and children contributed to important legal and constitutional protections in Ghana, including provisions under the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560).

It said her legacy would continue to resonate with women and children in Ghana and beyond for generations to come.

The family has called on the public to join in remembering her life and contributions to national development, particularly her work to improve the welfare and opportunities of women and children.

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