First anniversary of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings’ passing commemorated

The first anniversary of the passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was marked on Friday, October 23, with the unveiling of her tomb and a wreath-laying at the Military Cemetery, as well as a Memorial Mass at the Holy Spirit Cathedral, Adabraka, in Accra.

A statement issued by the Agyeman-Rawlings Family said Vice-President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Dr Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, and the Military High Command graced both events.

It said the family first unveiled the tomb at the Military Cemetery, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.

The statement said the Vice President laid a wreath on behalf of the Government and the People of Ghana, and Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, laid one alongside her siblings for the children.

It said Nana Serwah Baffoe-Bonnie, sister of the former First Lady, laid one on behalf of the Agyeman family, and Madam Sylvia Ahorlu laid the final one on behalf of the 31st December Women’s Movement.

Reverend Father Colonel Agyeman, Senior Catholic Chaplain of the Ghana Armed Forces, officiated the ceremony and delivered a short exhortation.

It noted that the entire process was ably coordinated by the military, who delivered the last post and reveille during the ceremony.

Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, in delivering a vote of thanks, expressed the family’s appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama and the government for their support in organising the anniversary.

The Environment, Science and Technology Minister also thanked the Vice President for gracing the occasion and laying a wreath on behalf of the government and people of Ghana.

She also commended the Ghana Armed Forces for a well-organised ceremony.

The statement said the cemetery ceremony was followed by a well-attended memorial Mass at the Holy Spirit Cathedral, Adabraka, Accra, which was again graced by the Vice-President, the Chief of Staff, and a host of dignitaries.

It said the Mass was officiated by Very Reverend Father Clement Wilson, who also delivered the homily.

In a message of gratitude from the Agyeman family, Mr Nat Lomo Mainoo thanked everyone who took the time to join the family in commemorating the first anniversary of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings’ passing.

He expressed the family’s gratitude to the Vice President for honouring the family with her presence at both ceremonies to mark the anniversary.

He also thanked the State Protocol Department and the Ghana Police Service for coordinating protocol and security arrangements for the ceremonies.

Gratitude also went to the Catholic Archbishop of Accra, Most Reverend John Bonaventure Kwofie and the officiating clergy for their unwavering support throughout the anniversary process.