Africa-Press – Ghana. Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, has paid glowing tribute to former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, describing her as a “vibrant and courageous stateswoman who embodied the United Nations’ values of equality, inclusivity, and empowerment.”
The Minister, who led the 80th anniversary flag-raising ceremony of the United Nations (UN) in Accra on Friday, observed a minute of silence in honour of the late Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings, who passed away on Thursday.
The solemn moment came during the commemoration held under the national theme
“UN@80: Ghana and the UN – Shared Responsibility for a Better Tomorrow,” at the forecourt of the State House.
The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the security services led by the Ghana Navy, senior government officials, and students.
Mr Ablakwa, in an emotional tribute, said the late former First Lady was more than a national icon as she was a symbol of strength, service, and selfless dedication to the advancement of women and the marginalized.
He said: “She embodied the principles that the United Nations stands for — equality, inclusivity, and empowerment.”
“She was a mother to many, a voice for the voiceless, and a tireless advocate for the rights and dignity of women and children. Her passing is not only a loss to Ghana but to humanity as a whole,” he added.
The Minister recalled her pioneering role as founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement, an organisation that transformed women’s participation in economic, political, and social life.
“Long before the Sustainable Development Goals made gender equality a global priority, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was already leading that cause here in Ghana,” he noted.
Mr Ablakwa invited the audience to rise for a minute’s silence in her memory, consistent with President John Dramani Mahama’s declaration of a three-day national mourning period.
The national and UN flags were lowered to half-mast in a symbolic gesture of respect and remembrance.
“As we lower these flags, we honour a life that stood tall for justice, fairness, and empowerment,” he said, and that “Her legacy will remain forever in our hearts and in the history of our nation.”
The Minister said Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings’ vision for women’s empowerment and social justice aligned perfectly with the mission of the United Nations, whose 80th anniversary celebration was being marked globally under the theme “Building Our Future Together.”
He noted that the late First Lady’s contributions extended beyond activism, influencing public policy and inspiring countless women to assume leadership roles in their communities.
Mr Ablakwa said: “She was the embodiment of resilience and hope, a true reflection of Ghanaian womanhood and African strength.”
The solemn tribute momentarily transformed the celebratory mood of the flag-raising event into one of reflection and gratitude as diplomats, government officials, and students bowed their heads in silence as the Ghana Navy hoisted the flags to half-mast.
The flag-raising ceremony formed part of a weeklong series of events marking UN@80 — eight decades since the signing of the UN Charter in 1945.
Mr Ablakwa, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to carrying forward her legacy, said: “As we remember her today, let us renew our pledge to continue the work she began, building a Ghana where equality, dignity, and opportunity are not privileges for a few, but rights for all.”
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