Meet Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings’ Kids: Zanetor Agyeman, Kimathi, Amina, & Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, the trailblazing Ghanaian politician and former First Lady who passed away on October 23, 2025, at Ridge Hospital in Accra, left an indelible mark on Ghana’s political and social landscape.

She is remembered as a powerful force in politics and women’s rights advocacy, the longest-serving First Lady of Ghana, and a committed advocate for social justice. Her life—defined by resilience, activism, and devotion to family—spanned nearly eight decades and inspired generations across Ghana and beyond.

Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast, she came from a prominent Ashanti royal family and was named after Nana Konadu Yiadom II, the historic Queen Mother of the Ashanti Kingdom.

The name “Konadu,” meaning “fight ’til the end,” symbolized the strength and determination that characterized her life. Growing up in a supportive and educated household, she was deeply influenced by her parents’ commitment to education and community welfare.

Agyeman-Rawlings was the daughter of J.O.T. Agyeman, a respected figure whose profession is not extensively detailed in public records but who provided a stable foundation for the family, and his wife. This dedicated teacher played a pivotal role in her children’s education.

Her mother, Felicia Agyeman‘s influence was particularly profound; as a former educator who abandoned her career upon marriage, she channeled her expertise into homeschooling, instilling in Agyeman-Rawlings a passion for learning and women’s education. The couple’s home was a hub for extended family, reflecting Ashanti communal traditions.

Agyeman-Rawlings grew up with six siblings, forming a close-knit family unit that extended to numerous cousins from her father’s large extended network.

One notable sibling was her sister, Nana Yaa Agyeman, who was married to Harruna Attah.

Her mother, a trained teacher, homeschooled her and her siblings, instilling a passion for learning and women’s empowerment. Despite cultural expectations limiting women’s roles at the time, her family’s stability allowed her to access quality education.

She attended Ghana International School and later Achimota School in Accra, where she met Jerry John Rawlings in 1961. She pursued higher education at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), earning a degree in Art and Textiles with a specialization in Graphic Design.

She was also a student leader at Africa Hall. In 1975, she earned a diploma in Interior Design from the London College of Arts, followed by qualifications in Personnel Management from the Management Development and Productivity Institute in 1979 and Development Studies from GIMPA in 1991.

On July 16, 1977, she married Jerry John Rawlings, who would later serve as both military leader and four-term president of Ghana. Despite early resistance from her family due to Rawlings’ background, their marriage lasted over 40 years until his death on November 12, 2020.

They had four children: Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, a medical doctor and Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korle; Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings, who holds a master’s degree in International Communication; Amina Rawlings, a legal expert in petroleum law; and Kimathi Rawlings, a commercial advisor in the oil and gas sector. She also had grandchildren, though their details were kept private.

Nana Konadu became a national symbol of women’s empowerment through her leadership of the 31st December Women’s Movement, which focused on economic independence, education, and healthcare for women and children.

Her role as First Lady extended beyond ceremonial duties—she actively reshaped policies, challenged gender norms, and supported grassroots development. Married to one of Ghana’s most influential leaders, she remained a powerful individual voice, unafraid to critique political systems or advocate for reform.

She passed away at age 76, just weeks before her 77th birthday. The cause of death was not disclosed, prompting national mourning and tributes from global leaders, activists, and citizens whose lives she touched.

Though her physical height and personal relationships prior to marriage were not publicly documented, her legacy stands tall in Ghana’s history. She is remembered not just as the wife of Jerry John Rawlings, but as a visionary leader, a devoted mother, and a relentless advocate for equality and national progress.

Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings

Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, born on June 1, 1978, in Accra, is the eldest daughter of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings and the late Jerry John Rawlings.

As the firstborn, she grew up in the shadow of her parents’ revolutionary leadership, spending much of her early years under her mother’s watchful eye while her father navigated the turbulent political arena. Hailing from Dzelukope in the Volta Region, Zanetor‘s journey reflects a seamless blend of her mother’s activism and her father’s dedication to public service.

Educated at prestigious institutions like North Ridge Lyceum, Achimota School, and Wesley Girls’ High School, Zanetor pursued medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, graduating as a doctor. She further honed her skills with certificates in defense management and conflict resolution from the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College.

Before entering politics, she practiced general medicine and family care for over a decade, embodying the compassionate ethos her mother instilled in the family.

Today, Dr. Zanetor serves as the Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korle Constituency in Greater Accra, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC)—the party her father founded. Now in her second term, she chairs the Parliamentary Select Committee on Security and Intelligence and is Deputy Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee.

A vocal advocate for women’s rights, child welfare, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment, she has spearheaded initiatives like building flood-resistant bridges in Osu Anorhor and introducing eco-friendly smokeless ovens for market vendors. Her humanitarian efforts, including relief for the 2015 Goil Oil fire victims, underscore her mother’s vision of community upliftment.

A proud mother of three daughters, Zanetor balances her demanding career with family life, often crediting her resilience to the values of inclusivity and perseverance passed down by Nana Konadu. Her role as a global representative—through bodies like the African Parliamentary Union and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association—continues to amplify Ghana’s voice on international stages.

Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings

Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings, the second daughter of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, was born in the early 1980s in Accra, arriving during a period of profound national change under her parents’ influence.

Named after the legendary Ashanti Queen Mother who led resistance against British colonialism, Yaa embodies the fighting spirit her mother championed through women’s mobilization efforts.

Her education began at Achimota School and North Ridge Lyceum, fostering a strong foundation in discipline and intellect. She later attended Trinity College at the University of Dublin, Ireland, where she earned a BA in Social Studies in 2003.

Pursuing advanced studies, Yaa obtained an MA in International Communication and International Relations from Boston University in the United States, equipping her with a global perspective on diplomacy and development.

Professionally, Yaa Asantewaa has channeled her expertise into administrative and strategic roles, most notably as a Business Affairs Executive at the Office of the Former President. In this capacity, she has been instrumental in development initiatives, heritage preservation, and administrative oversight, often collaborating on projects that honor her father’s legacy, such as the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre.

Her work reflects her mother’s emphasis on family heritage and socio-economic empowerment, blending academic rigor with practical impact. Though she maintains a relatively private profile compared to her siblings, Yaa‘s contributions to her family’s foundational efforts highlight her quiet strength and organizational prowess.

As one of the co-leads of the J.J. Rawlings Foundation alongside her sister Amina, she continues to promote ethical leadership and community engagement, ensuring Nana Konadu‘s vision of empowered families endures.

Amina Rawlings

Amina Rawlings, the third daughter of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, was born in the mid-1980s, growing up amidst the vibrancy of her mother’s activism and the stability her parents provided during Ghana’s democratic transition.

Often affectionately called “Princess Amina,” she was known to travel extensively with her mother from a young age, absorbing lessons in resilience and advocacy that would shape her career. Amina‘s early education took place at North Ridge Lyceum and Morning Star Schools in Accra, grounding her in a nurturing environment.

She pursued higher education abroad, earning an LLM in Petroleum Law and Policy from the Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP) at the University of Dundee in Scotland. This specialized focus on energy law positioned her at the forefront of one of Ghana’s booming sectors.

As a seasoned lawyer with over a decade of practice, Amina is a prominent member of several prestigious international bodies, including the International Bar Association, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN), the UK Energy Lawyers’ Group, the Lagos Court of Arbitration (LCLCBA), and the Scottish Oil Club.

Her expertise spans oil and gas law, arbitration, and corporate governance, where she advises on complex negotiations and policy frameworks. Amina‘s work not only advances legal standards in energy but also aligns with her mother’s push for women’s inclusion in high-stakes economic arenas.

Emotionally, Amina has been a pillar for the family, notably reading her mother’s heartfelt tribute at her father’s state funeral in 2021, a moment that captured her deep familial bonds. As co-lead of the J.J. Rawlings Foundation, she perpetuates initiatives in education and peacebuilding, honoring Nana Konadu‘s lifelong dedication to equity and justice.

Kimathi Rawlings

Kimathi Rawlings, the only son and youngest child of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, was born in the late 1980s in Accra. Named after Dedan Kimathi, the iconic Kenyan freedom fighter who resisted colonial oppression, he carries a legacy of defiance and leadership instilled by both parents.

As the “baby” of the family, Kimathi benefited from the collective wisdom of his siblings and the unyielding support of his mother. Kimathi pursued a career in the high-stakes world of international business.

With over a decade in the oil and gas industry, he excels as a Commercial and Portfolio Advisor and International Negotiator for Eni, the multinational energy giant headquartered in Milan, Italy. Based in London, his role involves upstream marketing, hydrocarbon accounting, risk management, and corporate finance—skills that demand the analytical precision and ethical grounding his mother emphasized.

Kimathi‘s striking resemblance to his late father has often drawn public attention, yet he has masterfully balanced a low-profile personal life with professional acclaim. In July 2025, he celebrated a joyous milestone by marrying in a private, elegant ceremony attended by close family, including his sisters, who cheered him on during heartfelt dance moments.

This union marks a new chapter, blending his private joys with the public service ethos of his upbringing. Through his work, Kimathi contributes to sustainable energy solutions, echoing Nana Konadu‘s vision of economic empowerment for future generations. As the sole son, he represents the continuation of the Rawlings‘ male lineage while upholding the family’s commitment to global impact and integrity.

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings‘ children stand as living testaments to her enduring influence—a mother who raised leaders unafraid to challenge norms and serve selflessly. From parliamentary halls to international boardrooms, their stories weave a tapestry of excellence, ensuring her legacy thrives beyond her lifetime.