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President Mahama: Late Nana Konadu Was ‘A Towering National Figure’

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John Dramani Mahama

Ghana on Friday, November 28, 2025, held a solemn and deeply symbolic state funeral in Accra for Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, the former First Lady whose imprint on national life, politics, and the struggle for women’s empowerment remains unmatched.

Independence Square—often the stage for Ghana’s most historic moments—fell quiet as political leaders, foreign dignitaries, clergy, and hundreds of mourners gathered to honour a woman widely regarded as one of the most influential public figures of the Fourth Republic.

Nana Konadu, who died on October 23, 2025, was celebrated not merely as the wife of the late President Jerry John Rawlings, but as a political force in her own right—bold, unflinching, and unafraid to expand the boundaries of a role previously seen as ceremonial.

Mahama’s Tribute: “A towering national figure”

In a tribute delivered on his behalf, President John Dramani Mahama captured the essence of her lifelong mission.

“She was a towering national figure whose influence, courage and contributions to Ghana will continue to resonate for generations,” the message read by Joyce Bawah Mogtari stated. “Nana Konadu was far more than a former First Lady. She was a pioneering leader, an unwavering champion of women’s empowerment, a trailblazer in our political landscape, and a deeply committed patriot.”

Mahama praised her “boldness to speak, to challenge, to lead,” noting that she redefined the First Lady’s office by turning it into a platform for national development.

The funeral drew an extraordinary lineup of Ghana’s political leadership—past and present.

President Mahama and First Lady Lordina Mahama sat alongside Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and senior government officials. In a show of national unity, former President Nana Akufo-Addo and his wife, former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife, and former President John Agyekum Kufuor were all in attendance.

The Rawlings family, including the children of the late former First Lady, occupied the front rows—occasionally wiping tears as tributes echoed across the square.

A national mourning for a national matriarch

Her death triggered three days of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast across the country. For many Ghanaians, it marked the end of an era defined by activism, political intensity, and a decades-long push for social justice.

Through the 31st December Women’s Movement, Nana Konadu championed literacy, economic empowerment, and reproductive health initiatives for rural women—long before such issues became mainstream in national policy discussions.

These efforts, combined with her outspoken style and political independence, often drew both admiration and controversy. But even her critics acknowledge that she shifted the political landscape and opened space for women’s leadership at the highest levels.

Friday’s final farewell capped weeks of tributes from across the political spectrum—rare for a figure who was as trailblazing as she was polarizing. But in death, the consensus is clear: Nana Konadu reshaped the expectations of Ghanaian womanhood in public life and broadened the possibilities for female leadership in Africa.

Her story, rooted in conviction and national service, will continue to define conversations on gender, politics, and civic activism for generations.

As one mourner put it quietly while filing past the coffin:
“She stood tall when it mattered—and she never stopped fighting for Ghana’s women.”

Ghana News

Ghana Leads African Central Banks in Gold Reserve Accumulation as Global Buying Wave Hits $2 Billion

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Accra, Ghana – Ghana has emerged as one of the most active African central banks in the global gold accumulation surge, joining a broader shift by emerging market nations seeking to diversify reserves and shield economies from currency volatility and geopolitical risks.

According to the latest data, central banks worldwide purchased 27 tonnes of gold in February 2026, valued at approximately $2 billion.

While the bulk of demand continues to come from major players such as China, Poland, Kazakhstan, and Turkey, African central banks are gradually increasing their participation. Ghana stood out last year for aggressively boosting its gold reserves to support the cedi and strengthen its balance sheet amid economic challenges.

The move reflects a deliberate strategy to reduce reliance on traditional foreign currencies and build a more resilient reserve base.

Other African nations are also showing strategic interest. Uganda has launched a domestic gold purchasing programme targeting at least 100 kilograms over four months, while Kenya — despite holding just 0.02 tonnes — has signalled plans for gradual accumulation. Zimbabwe continues experimenting with gold-backed instruments, and the Democratic Republic of Congo aims to formalize 15 tonnes of artisanal gold production in 2026.

These efforts, though still modest compared to global leaders, signal a growing continental recognition of gold’s role as a hedge in uncertain times.

Analysts say this African participation, led by Ghana, aligns with a wider global trend where central banks are treating gold as a strategic asset rather than a relic of the past.

For Ghana, continued accumulation could further stabilise the cedi, enhance macroeconomic credibility, and support the country’s ambition to capture more value from its rich gold resources through strategic reserve management.

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Ghana News

LGBTQ Debate Intensifies After Mahama Comments, Moody’s Upgrades Ghana Outlook and Other Big Stories Today

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We have curated the most relevant stories from Ghana for your enjoyment and awareness. From renewed calls on the controversial Anti-LGBTQ bill and a significant credit rating upgrade, to traditional leadership disputes and maritime security operations, these developments reflect the key political, economic, and social conversations shaping the country this morning.


It Remains a Priority – Sam George on Anti-LGBTQ Bill
Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George has reaffirmed that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill remains a top priority for him and many Ghanaians. Speaking in a recent interview, the outspoken NDC legislator took a stance that challenges his boss’s (President Mahama), stating that the bill is not a distraction but a necessary piece of legislation to protect Ghanaian cultural and family values. He expressed confidence that the bill would eventually be passed, despite delays, and urged supporters to remain patient while the legislative process is followed. George stated that the bill enjoys broad public support and that he would continue to champion it until it becomes law.
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Rev. Ntim Fordjour Urges Mahama to Issue Directive to Fast-Track Anti-LGBTQ Bill
Deputy Minority Leader Rev. John Ntim Fordjour has called on President John Dramani Mahama to issue a directive to fast-track the passage of the Anti-LGBTQ bill. The NPP MP argued that the legislation reflects the will of the Ghanaian people and should not be allowed to drag on indefinitely. He urged the President to demonstrate leadership by ensuring the bill is prioritised in Parliament, warning that further delays could erode public trust in the government’s commitment to moral and cultural issues.
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President Mahama Nominates Pamela Graham as New Auditor-General
President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Pamela Graham as the new Auditor-General of Ghana. The nomination, which has been forwarded to Parliament for approval, is expected to bring fresh leadership to the country’s supreme audit institution. Graham is widely regarded as a seasoned professional with extensive experience in public financial management and auditing. If confirmed, her appointment will be closely watched as the government continues efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in public finances.
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Etweresohene Stripped of Title, Barred from Ofori Panin Fie Over Alleged Rebellion
The Etweresohene has been stripped of his title and barred from the Ofori Panin Fie (the palace of the Okyenhene) following allegations of rebellion and disloyalty. The traditional council took the decision after what it described as persistent acts of insubordination and attempts to undermine the authority of the Okyenhene. The development has generated significant interest in traditional circles and highlights ongoing tensions within some traditional structures in the Eastern Region.
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Moody’s Upgrades Ghana’s Outlook to Positive, Affirms Caa1 Rating
Global ratings agency Moody’s has upgraded Ghana’s outlook to positive while affirming the country’s long-term issuer rating at Caa1. The upgrade reflects improving fiscal performance, debt management efforts, and signs of economic stabilisation. However, Moody’s cautioned that risks remain, particularly from external shocks such as global fuel price volatility. The positive outlook signals growing confidence in Ghana’s reform trajectory and could improve the country’s access to international capital markets.
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Mahama to Headline The Africa Debate 2026
President John Dramani Mahama has been confirmed as the headline speaker at The Africa Debate 2026, a major continental platform for discussing Africa’s most pressing issues. The event is expected to bring together African leaders, policymakers, and thought leaders to engage on topics ranging from economic transformation to governance and regional integration. Mahama’s selection underscores his growing stature as a key voice on African affairs.
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Navy Seizes Eight Unregistered Boats at New Takoradi
The Ghana Navy has seized eight unregistered boats during a routine patrol at New Takoradi. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal fishing and unregulated maritime activities along Ghana’s coastline. The vessels have been impounded, and investigations are underway to determine the owners and intended use of the boats. The Navy has reiterated its commitment to protecting Ghana’s marine resources and enforcing maritime laws.
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Ghana News

Catholic Bishops Reject Trivialization of LGBTQ+ Debate by Mahama Government: ‘Nations Do Not Live by Bread Alone’

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ACCRA – Ghana’s Catholic Bishops have issued a forceful pastoral statement urging citizens and leaders alike to treat the ongoing LGBTQ+ debate with the seriousness it deserves.

In the statement, the Bishops warned against dismissing the issue as a minor national concern.

Released on April 10, 2026, the statement from the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) directly responds to recent remarks by President John Dramani Mahama and Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who, in separate public statements, suggested the matter is not a major national priority.

“No question that touches the structure of human identity, family life, and social continuity can be trivial,” the bishops declared.

Values as the Invisible Architecture of Nations

While acknowledging Ghana’s pressing economic challenges, the Conference rejected any attempt to separate moral questions from national development.

“Nations do not live by bread alone,” the statement reads. “They are sustained also by the invisible architecture of values.”

The bishops called for a balanced approach to the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, urging that it uphold both human dignity and the institution of the family.

Clear Condemnation of Discrimination

In a significant passage, the GCBC firmly condemned all forms of discrimination against individuals regardless of sexual orientation.

“No individual, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, may be subjected to violence, hatred, or unjust discrimination,” the bishops stated.

However, they simultaneously reaffirmed their position on traditional family values, describing the family as a nation’s most efficient social welfare system.

“To affirm dignity does not require the redefinition of marriage,” the bishops added. “To defend marriage does not require hostility.”

Reminder to President Mahama

The Conference reminded President Mahama of his earlier commitment to assent to the bill if duly passed by Parliament.

“Democratic integrity rests… on the fidelity of leaders to their publicly stated commitments,” the bishops noted.

They concluded with a call for calm and respectful engagement across all sectors of society, warning that words can either build a republic of trust or fracture it into suspicion.

The GCBC reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to a national conversation grounded in respect, moral clarity, and the common good.

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