Ghanaians have once again been struck by grief following the passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.
Her death marked another major national loss in 2025, which has taken away some of the country’s prominent and respected figures, ranging from traditional leaders and politicians to artistes.
Below are some of the prominent deaths that shook Ghana.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings is a former First Lady of Ghana and the wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings.
She was also a politician and the founder of the National Democratic Party.
She passed away on October 23, 2025, at the Ridge Hospital after a short illness.
Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III
Nana Konadu Yiadom III was the Asantehemaa or Queen Mother of the Ashanti Kingdom and the biological sister of the current Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
She passed away on August 7, 2025, at the age of 98.
Daasebre Osei Bonsu II
Daasebre Osei Bonsu II was the Mamponghene, or Paramount Chief of the Asante Mampong Traditional Area, and the occupant of the Silver Stool of Asanteman. Prior to his ascension to the stool, he was known as Oswald Gyimah-Kessie, a lawyer and economist. He also served as Vice President of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs. He passed away at the age of 86 on April 20, 2025, after a short illness.
Charles Kwadwo Fosu (Daddy Lumba)
Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, was a legendary Ghanaian highlife musician.
His career officially launched with his debut album in 1989, and he was recognized as one of the most influential highlife artists in Ghana’s history, inspiring many younger musicians. He died on July 26, 2025, at the age of 60, after a short illness at the Bank Hospital in Accra.
Prof. Emeritus Dr. Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka
Prof. Emeritus Dr. Apostle Kwadwo Safo was a Ghanaian preacher, inventor, industrialist, and founder of the Kristo Asafo Church and the Kantanka Group of Companies.
He was widely regarded by many as a genius, leader and a national treasure for his contributions to indigenous innovation and technology.
He died peacefully on September 11, 2025, at the age of 77.
Dada Kwakye Duah (Dada KD)
Dada Kwakye Duah, known by his stage name Dada KD, was a Ghanaian highlife musician.
He was renowned for his soulful love songs and released numerous hit songs and albums throughout his career.
He passed away on May 16, 2025, after an illness at the Gbawe SDA Hospital in Accra.
Ernest Yaw Kumi
Ernest Yaw Kumi was a Ghanaian politician and the Member of Parliament for the Akwatia Constituency.
He passed away on July 7, 2025, at the age of 40, due to heart failure.
8 Helicopter Crash Victims
A fatal Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District on August 6, 2025, killing all eight people on board.
The victims included several high-ranking government officials and three military crew members. They were;
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah: Minister for Defence
Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed: Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Member of Parliament for Tamale Central
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna: Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Samuel Sarpong: Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Samuel Aboagye: Former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
Flying Officer Manaan Twum Ampadu, and
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Each loss in 2025 was felt deeply by Ghanaians and people all over.
