The Deputy CEO of the National Sports Authority Donkor Fuseini says the late former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings held enormous political influence during the Rawlings era.
According to him, at some point she yielded much more power than her husband the late Jerry John Rawlings.
Speaking on TV3 and monitored by NewsDesksGH on November 28, Fuseini said he became particularly close to her after the National Democratic Congress returned to power in 2009.
He noted that although she appeared more reserved by then, her earlier years in politics told a different story.
“The Konadu we all knew from the revolutionary days, I think 2009 something had changed a bit.”
He stated that her influence during the PNDC and early NDC era was strong.
“During the Rawlings era I can actually say she actually yielded much more power than Rawlings himself.”
Donkor Fuseini added that the people who surrounded the former president reflected this dynamic.
“You could see that most of the powerful people around Rawlings were actually very strong ally’s of Konadu.”
“So virtually Konadu was directing the mood of the country,” he said.
He said her boldness and advocacy made her stand out, describing her as a force who redefined the space for women.
“What made her so outstanding at that time was that particular stand for women. That listen ‘we do not just belong to the kitchen, we do not just belong to the background’.”
“That story of ‘behind every successful man there’s a woman’ Konadu actually decided to bring the women in front to also taste the success.”
Fuseini also pointed to the influence of her movement.
“Once upon a time the 31st December Womens Movement, the Red Berets, were one of the most dreaded groups in Ghana’s political history.”
He added that her political legacy is unforgettable or undeniable.
“Konadu’s legacy can never be forgotten in Ghana’s history. No matter how it ended with the NDC, you can never take it away from her that she was part of the founding members.”
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings died on October 23, 2025, at age 76 after a short illness.
A state funeral is being held today, November 28, at the Black Star Square, where many are gathering to pay their last respects.
