# Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings

Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings (born 17 November 1948) is a Ghanaian politician and the widow of former President Jerry Rawlings.

## Quotes

* I faced tough time with my opponents during my campaign time but that didn't scare me as a woman, I urge all of you (women) to rise up and push the agenda of women’s involvement in decision-making process.
** Forum advocates policy interventions for women empowerment, Sheroesforum.
* If you put something on your mind and your heart to do and to change something or situation, do not look back, stay focused and move systematically towards your goal.
** I like Nana Konadu because she always defends underprivileged children – Osafo-Maafo, Myjoyonline, 27 May 2023.
* The issue is it’s not how many years you have been there [near power], but that the value that you would bring to the Ghanaian leadership. My value that I would bring to the Ghanaian leadership is about the people, not the leader. As such, what I have done for Ghana is what will show and they would have to judge me on that directly.
** Peter Clottey, Former Ghanaian First Lady Remains Confident About December Presidential Poll, Voanews, 22 October 2016.
* We have to instill in our children a certain traditional way even as we become modernized so that they do not move too far away from who we are as a people. Who is in charge of what our children see and emulate? Education is a tool; your upbringing is your tradition and your life.
** Nana Konadu receives book written to honour Rawlings, Ghana Web, 23 November 2021.
* We need to constantly improve on the quality of life and so we need to read as individuals and inculcate the habit of reading to the young ones. We have to encourage the young ones to read but because of the existence of iPads and tablets they are not picking books to read out of curiosity.
** Nana Konadu out with first book “It takes a woman”, Graphic Online, 27 November 2018.
* It is only through writing that we capture who we are, where we have come from and where we are going and this must be written so generations yet unborn will know who we truly are.
** Nana Konadu out with first book “It takes a woman”, Graphic Online, 27 November 2018.
* Culturally, we refer to nature as ‘asase yaa’ and women are held in reverence spiritually and culturally, so why the disconnect in our contemporary society where women are treated like second-class citizens.
** Marie Franz Fordjoe & Delali Adogla-Bessa, Open House of Chiefs to Queen-mothers – Nana Konadu, citifmonline.com, 28 November 2017.
* Women's vital role in promoting peace in the family, the country and the world at large is not in question and they must be given the chance to play a critical part in identifying and assessing solutions for the betterment of the country (Ghana).
** Kobby Asmah, Ghana needs female leader now - Nana Konadu, Graphic Online, 16 November 2016.
* The upcoming general election (2020 Ghanaian general election) is really not about me or my individuality but about our nation and our future. We should try to refocus our lenses as a people on long term national development visions...We must have the ability to have a collective vision born out of our varied experiences, skills set and unique characteristics to propel the best, bright and most patriotic citizens to advance a nonpartisan agenda for a continuous development.
** My political journey is not for personal recognition – Nana Konadu, Ghana Business News, 6 September 2020.
* You will have a miracle on your hands because I know it when we go out and I feel it.
** I Will Not Lie To Ghanaians - Nana Konadu Rawlings, peacefmonline.com, 28 June 2016.
* It is important for me to open doors for many other women to be there (presidential candidate) at some point or the other. I am making sure that children of this country (Ghana) see women as an absolute part of national development.
** Enoch Darfah Frimpong, I am elated - Nana Konadu responds to EC's clearance, Graphic Online, 9 November 2016.
* We recognised that for women to be really empowered for development, we needed to make them economically active
** Empowering a nation, Graphic online 06 December 2016
* I am committed to laying the foundations of a prosperous future for Ghana so that all Ghanaians can have the confidence in a country built on a system that rewards their hard work and their sacrifice. I believe in creating a Ghana where mothers and fathers have the opportunity to invest in the future of their children; where Ghanaian genius is rewarded and where meritocracy is paramount. I believe in a thriving economy that creates equal opportunity for every Ghanaian
** Bold Actions to put Ghana Right Again, Graphic online 06 December 2016
* My desire is to see the emancipation of women at every level of development to enable them to contribute and benefit from the socio-economic and political progress of the country
** Women empowerment in politics
* Through my work as both an activist and a politician, I strive to demonstrate that it is our continuing responsibility, as African women, to challenge inequality, resist oppression, and question our exclusion from every level of African society
** Women inclusiveness in politics
* Certainly, we cherish our cultural heritage and the centuries old traditions from which our society derives its identity and resilience. But we also acknowledge that practices that undermine human dignity, retard social progress and bring about unnecessary misery and suffering must not be countenance by a society that appreciates the worth of its people.
** Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings: Addressing the 23rd Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly (Beijing +5); June 2000, New York, USA

## Quotes about Agyeman Rawlings

* Her (Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings) unwavering advocacy on gender equality and equity, as well as her pioneering efforts for the cause of Ghanaian Women and children are worth noting...you are an inspiration to women everywhere and a shining beacon for our young girls to emulate, we celebrate you.
** Flossy Tachie-Menson as quoted in SHEROES Foundation celebrates Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Graphic Online, 3 December 2016.
* Yes, she (Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings) has been a very bold lady I can confirm that she's been one of the catalysts that have brought the issue of women empowerment not only in Ghana, but globally.
** Alban Bagbin as quoted in How Konadu Rawlings was hailed during SoNA, Ghana Web, 30 March 2022.
* She (Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings) was special and she’s still special and for me, it had to be her. It was a privilege for me to be acquainted with her.
** Jerry Rawlings as quoted in Nana Konadu Is Special – Rawlings Speaks Fondly Of His Wife, peacefmonline.com, 13 July 2020.
* For the past 12 years she has stood by her husband in the struggle to restore Ghana. She has led a group of active women to help empower Ghanaian women, freeing them from being hewers of wood and drawers of water to be[ing] actors in the political arena
** George Lamptey as quoted in Nana Konadu Agyeman 1948