Copyright ghanamma
Only one of the five 31st December Day Care Centres established in Kumasi under the 31st December Women’s Movement remains operational, marking the quiet decline of an initiative once hailed for empowering women and advancing early childhood education. The centres were founded under the leadership of the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, to support working mothers and promote girl-child education. In the 1980s and 1990s, they stood as symbols of progress, providing a safe and nurturing environment where mothers could work with peace of mind, knowing their children were cared for. 31st December Movement congratulates women According to a report by adomonline.com on October 24, 2025, decades later, that vision has largely faded. Four of the centres located at Ash Town, Adum, Asawase, and Sawaba have collapsed. Some of their buildings have been converted into homes, while others have completely disappeared, overtaken by time and neglect. At Ash Town, where one of the centres once operated, the scene today tells a story of decline. The headmistress of the nearby Ash M/A Kindergarten, Charity Agyeman Duah, said poor sanitation in the area drove parents away. “It’s no more functioning, so most parents brought their wards here. I personally wouldn’t take my ward to where there is a refuse dump, so I’ve written letters to stakeholders to assist. I wish they can be able to do something about it,” she said. At Bantama, the only surviving centre continues to function and now runs classes up to Junior High School Three (JHS 3). Teachers there, though declining to speak on camera, expressed pride in preserving the founder’s legacy, even as they struggle with limited resources and minimal external support. Nana Konadu loses case against aggrieved 31st December colleagues The Bantama centre’s endurance stands as more than an administrative success, it is a living tribute to the 31st December Women’s Movement and its vision for women’s empowerment and children’s education. Where laughter once echoed across five communities, only one still rings today. Scenes at Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings’ residence following her passing
