Rawlings’ Children’s Names and Their Meanings: Why JJ Rawlings Named Them After Great Warriors

Rawlings’ Children’s Names and Their Meanings: Why JJ Rawlings Named Them After Great Warriors

  • The four children of the late former president Jerry John Rawlings have beautiful names with incredible meaning
  • Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, a proud Ashanti, and her late spouse took inspiration from famous warriors
  • YEN.com.gh has delved into the meaning of Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings and each of her siblings' names

The late former president Jerry John Rawlings and his wife, the late Nana Konadu Agyeman‑Rawlings, gave their four children unique Pan-African names.

These young Ghanaian leaders, each with a successful career, have made rare appearances since their mother’s passing on October 23, 2025.

Amina Agyeman-Rawlings, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman‑Rawlings, Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings, Kimathi Rawlings, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings
YEN.com.gh looks at the meaning of Kimathi, Yaa Asantewaa, Amina, and Dr Zanetor Agyeman‑Rawlings' unique names. Photo credit: @ameyawdebrah.
Source: Facebook

JJ Rawlings’ children and their names

In an interview dated November 12, 2022, the late President boldly stated, 'You can Christianise me, but don’t Westernise me.'

This clearly explained why the former named his children after great African warriors.

In this article, YEN.com.gh explores the meanings behind their names and what they represent.

Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings

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Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings: 5 iconic photos of Nana Konadu's son that showcase his future leadership qualities

According to YEN.com.gh research, the Ewe name Zanetor means 'darkness must cease'.

The former first lady Rawlings named his first daughter to symbolise his dream of eradicating corruption and rescuing Ghana from adversity.

The Klottey Korle MP has lived up to her name, inspiring the youth as one of Ghana’s top female doctors and a bold voice in parliament.

The Instagram photo of Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings is below:

Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings

Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings was named after the great Ashanti queen mother, Yaa Asantewaa, known for her bravery, resilience and determined spirit.

As executive director of the JJ Foundation, she has honoured her name, leading a team dedicated to preserving her father's legacy.

The outspoken leader has always wowed many with her great personality and high fashion sense.

The Facebook photo of Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings at her father's namesake event is below:

Amina Agyeman-Rawlings

Amina Agyeman-Rawlings, the third child and daughter of the Rawlings family, was named after Queen Amina, the legendary warrior queen of Zaria in Nigeria.

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Kojo Antwi visits Nana Konadu's house to mourn her death with his wife and son, video stirs reactions

As a petroleum law expert, Amina exudes confidence, charisma, and grace during her rare public appearances.

She has grown into a woman of valour, making her late parents proud with her true Pan-African spirit.

The beautiful photo of Amina Agyeman-Rawlings is below:

Amina Agyeman-Rawlings, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman‑Rawlings, Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings, Kimathi Rawlings, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings
Amina Agyeman-Rawings rocks a stylish kente gown before her mom, the late Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings' passing on October 23, 2025. Photo credit: @ghkwaku.
Source: Instagram

Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings

Like his sister Amina, Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings has a background in petroleum and energy, with strong interests in marketing and negotiations.

Named after the late popular Kenyan freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi, he represents liberation and leadership.

During the 2025 election campaign, Kimathi showed traits of a promising leader. His name is a constant reminder that freedom is not given; it is earned.

The Instagram photos of Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings are below:

Amina Agyeman-Rawlings, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman‑Rawlings, Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings, Kimathi Rawlings, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings
Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings cannot control her tears as mourners visit her late mom, Nana Konadu's residence. Photo credit: @ameyawdebrah.
Source: Facebook

Some projects by Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the late Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings funded more than 870 daycare centres.

The women’s advocate also spearheaded numerous initiatives for women’s empowerment through her foundation.

Some social media users have expressed heartfelt reactions to her passing, with many admiring her years of dedication.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Portia Arthur avatar

Portia Arthur (Entertainment Editor) Portia Arthur holds a BA in publishing from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (2013). She has nearly a decade of experience in journalism. She worked as a Lifestyle editor for Pulse.com.gh for almost six years. She joined YEN.com.gh in 2022 as its pioneer fashion editor. She has also worked with celebrities and footballers in image consultancy and management. She has completed Google News Initiative News Labs courses and Advanced Lab courses in Advanced Digital Reporting, Fighting misinformation. She can be reached via email: portia.arthur@yen.com.gh