Following the passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings on October 23, 2025, at the Ridge Hospital, many remember her not only for her political influence but also for her impeccable sense of style that defined an era.
For decades, Nana Konadu was more than a lover of fashion, she was a trendsetter who used her wardrobe to express confidence, cultural pride, and womanhood.
Whether she was attending a state function, a community gathering, or a cultural festival, Nana Konadu always stood out.
Her looks celebrated African craftsmanship through rich prints, intricate patterns, and vibrant colours.
Even today, her name is mentioned not only in conversations about politics and women’s empowerment but also in discussions about fashion and identity.
The African print movement
Long before “Wear Ghana” became a national campaign, Nana Konadu was already leading by example.
She championed Ghanaian-made textiles such as GTP, ATL, and other handmade fabrics at a time when imported fashion dominated the market. She urged Ghanaian women to support local designers and take pride in homegrown fashion.
Her advocacy laid the foundation for today’s thriving fashion industry, inspiring contemporary designers like Christie Brown, Duaba Serwa, and Pistis.
The Kente look
In the early 1990s, during her travels with the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, Nana Konadu transformed kente from a ceremonial fabric into a symbol of national identity and prestige.
While other First Ladies around the world leaned toward Western suits, she proudly donned regal kente gowns, often paired with bold headwraps and gold jewelry.
Through her style, she proved that kente could be both modern and global, blending heritage with elegance.
The headwrap revolution
Perhaps no single style defined Nana Konadu more than her signature headwrap. Her ‘duku’ was never an afterthought, it was an art form.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, her carefully tied, colour-coordinated headwraps became a national fashion statement. Nana Konadu’s ‘dukus’ turned the traditional headwrap into a crown of identity, grace, and empowerment.
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