GHANA’S FORMER first lady and first ever female presidential candidate, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, has launched her memoir in the UK at an event at Middlesex University.

Agyeman-Rawlings’ memoir, It Takes a Woman – A Life Shaped by Heritage, Leadership and the Women Who Defined Hope, covers her early life.

The launch, which was held on October 24, featured a panel session on the state of women’s rights and opportunities in Africa and marked the culmination of Middlesex’s programme of celebratory and educational events for Black History Month 2019.

Agyeman-Rawlings was joined by broadcaster, Nollywood actress and MDX alumna Princess Abiye, former mayor of Harrow Nana Asante and radio chat show presenter Candy Kisseih for a panel discussion focused on what drives women’s success and the barriers they face. It was chaired by MC and TV presenter Ekanem Robertson.

Also in attendance were royal Asante princess Nana Yaa Ageyman Prempeh II and Ghanaian-born barrister and environmental campaigner, Awula Serwah.

At the end of the launch, Agyeman-Rawlings was presented with a Hero Award by CEO of the black/African international media platform SRTV Christian Ashaiku, another former Middlesex University student. Ashaiku said Agyeman-Rawlings was “a woman of unique standing in our community both at home and in the diaspora. A ‘she-ro’! We’re very proud to have you here today”, Middlesex University reported.

Speaking at the event, interim vice-chancellor James Kennedy, who championed the institution’s diversity, highlighted that the university is home to students from 160 nationalities and an array of backgrounds, cultures and faiths.

“Our diverse community gives us an opportunity to learn from one another and perhaps more importantly be challenged by one another, and as a result makes us better people,” he said.