Minister of Tourism, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has credited the late Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings for breaking barriers that paved the way for a new generation of Ghanaian women to rise into influential positions across the country.
Speaking at the final funeral rites, she reflected on how the former First Lady’s courage and relentless advocacy reshaped expectations of what women could become in national life.
“Because she dared, those of us here can aspire not just to be First Ladies, but to leave a mark wherever we find ourselves,” she said.
Dzifa Gomashie stressed that the progress women enjoy today—particularly in leadership and national decision-making—did not happen by chance. It was built on the persistence and boldness of women like Nana Konadu, whose advocacy, she noted, “shifted the conversation long before it was fashionable.”
She pointed to recent appointments and increased female representation as evidence of how far the nation has come.
“If I look at the appointments President John Dramani Mahama has made, it shows we really have come far, and this is because we are standing on the shoulders of people like Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. Womanhood, the girl child, and empowerment shouldn’t take a back seat,” she added.
Making a personal reflection, the Minister admitted she wished she had maintained a closer relationship with the former First Lady over the years.
She recalled how Nana Konadu played a meaningful role in shaping her creative journey, offering opportunities that helped her flourish when she was still very young.
Dzifa Gomashie urged Ghanaians, especially leaders, to emulate the impactful life and legacy of the late former First Lady.
