The children of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings delivered a moving tribute to their mother at her state funeral at the Black Star Square on Friday.
They described her as a tireless patriot who lived her values with unshakable conviction.
They said their mother embodied a life of purpose and unwavering national devotion.
According to them, “yours was the consummate life of a tireless patriot, a woman who loved her country and celebrated it every opportunity she got.”
They recalled a woman who confronted every problem directly and believed no challenge was beneath her attention.
She rejected the idea that women existed to depend on men and instead carved her own path, shaping a movement that changed the lives of thousands.
As President of the 31st December Women’s Movement, they said she “ignited a force that transformed the landscape of women’s rights and education that still resonates today.”
Her children highlighted the movement’s achievements, noting that it “established about 1000 early childhood development centres, advanced adult literacy, set up income-generating activities, and led legal reforms granting inheritance rights to women and children.”
They added that she championed the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and fought for the dignity and self-reliance of women.
They described her as a woman who never limited herself to advocacy. “You were never just advocating. You were doing. You will be remembered as a woman of action,” they said, emphasising that her legacy would continue to shape the nation for generations.
The children said that as they grew older, they came to understand her unyielding nature and crystal-clear sense of right and wrong.
“You lived your values without reservation, believing that actions were either right or wrong and never settled for the uncommitted grey space in between,” they declared.
They said this clarity made her an exceptional political figure whose insistence on action inspired countless women and strengthened Ghana’s democratic process.
They remembered her as a woman of great courage and resilience who lived with energy, depth, and mystery.
They also reflected on the bond she shared with their father, the late former President Jerry John Rawlings. According to them, he trusted her completely because “you had an unfailing ability to perceive purpose and possibility.” They described their parents as true partners and pillars for each other.
As a mother, she was remembered as a protector, advocate, confidant and friend. As a grandmother, they said she was “funny, generous, playful, wise, strict, trendy, and above all else, hard.”
They recalled her remarkable connection with her grandchildren and the joy she brought into their lives.
They remembered her humour, her animated storytelling, her “occasional blastings,” and her love for music and dance. Her joy, they said, was found in the simple pleasures of family and togetherness.
The tribute ended with a solemn pledge. “For us, your four children, we will set our feet into the footsteps of your gallant place and with divine grace, emulate your dignified dance through life. We love and miss you, Mom; we love and miss you, Dad. So much.”
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