ACCRA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Ghana held a state funeral on Friday at the Black Star Square in Accra, the Ghanaian capital, for former first lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, first lady Lordina Mahama, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, and former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia joined other dignitaries during the funeral.

There were also past and present ministers of state, members of parliament, and foreign dignitaries, with many distinguished Ghanaians who thronged the venue of the funeral to pay their last respects to the former first lady.

During the funeral, Mahama laid the ceremonial wreath on behalf of the government and people of Ghana in memory of the former first lady, who is remembered for her strong leadership for women's empowerment and gender equality in the West African country.

The president, in his tribute read by his special aide Joyce Bawah Mogtari, said that Agyeman-Rawlings 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," read Mahama's tribute.

Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, member of parliament and firstborn of the late former first lady, described her mother's passing as "a very humbling experience for us as a family." She expressed gratitude to the government and people of Ghana for their outpouring of love, which has been the comforting factor for her and her siblings and the entire extended family.

Agyeman-Rawlings was the wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, and founder of the 31st December Women's Movement, a non-governmental organization that advocates for women empowerment, children's rights, and social inclusion for the marginalized. ■