Africa Live News joins the people of Asanteman, Ghana, and the African continent in mourning the passing of the Asantehemaa, Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III, whose remarkable life and leadership have left an indelible mark on history. We extend our heartfelt condolences to His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the royal family of Manhyia Palace, the Oyoko Clan, and the entire Ashanti Kingdom.
Her passing was formally announced at an emergency meeting of the Asanteman Traditional Council on Monday, where the Oyoko Royal Family conveyed the sad news to the Asantehene. The Queen Mother’s departure closes a significant chapter in the cultural and political life of one of Africa’s greatest traditional kingdoms.
A Queen of Royal Blood
Born Nana Ama Konadu in 1927, she was the biological sister of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool. She ascended to the revered position of Asantehemaa in 2017, following the passing of her mother, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, who served as Queen Mother for over five decades.
Her installation made her the 14th Asantehemaa in the unbroken line of royal women who have played a central role in the governance, succession, and cultural preservation of the Ashanti Kingdom. Her royal upbringing, deep cultural knowledge, and dedication to service prepared her for the responsibilities of the office long before she was officially enstooled.
The Role of the Asantehemaa
In Asante tradition, the Asantehemaa is far more than a ceremonial figure. She is custodian of the royal lineage, adviser to the Asantehene, and the moral compass of the kingdom. The Queen Mother is entrusted with the selection and nomination of candidates for the Golden Stool, making her a central pillar in succession politics.
Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III embodied these duties with dignity, wisdom, and quiet authority. Her reign, though lasting just over five years, was marked by stability, cultural revival, and the strengthening of traditional values in the face of modern challenges.
A Life of Service and Cultural Stewardship
Those close to the Manhyia Palace recall her as a mother to the entire kingdom, a leader who valued the welfare of her people and offered counsel to chiefs and commoners alike. She worked tirelessly to support initiatives that promoted education, women’s empowerment, and the preservation of Asante history.
During her tenure, she ensured that traditional ceremonies such as Akwasidae and Adae Kese retained their grandeur, while also encouraging young people to learn and appreciate the customs that define Asanteman’s identity. Her gentle but firm presence at the Manhyia Palace made her a unifying figure whose advice was sought in both times of celebration and crisis.
National and International Mourning
The news of her passing has drawn tributes from across Ghana and beyond. President John Dramani Mahama, the current President of Ghana, described her as “a treasured mother of our nation whose wisdom and dignity shone beyond the borders of the Ashanti Kingdom.”
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also paid his respects, noting her invaluable contributions to national unity and cultural preservation. Leaders of other traditional states, representatives of women’s associations, and members of the Ghanaian diaspora in Europe, North America, and the Caribbean have all sent messages of condolence.
The grief is not confined to the Ashanti Kingdom. Cultural scholars and Pan-Africanists worldwide have acknowledged her as one of the few remaining custodians of precolonial African governance structures, whose role bridges history and modernity.
The Queen Mother and Her Brother, the King
As the elder sister of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, she was more than just a sibling to the monarch. She was his confidante, adviser, and unwavering supporter throughout his 25-year reign. It is widely acknowledged within the royal court that her guidance helped the Asantehene navigate complex political, economic, and cultural decisions that have defined his era.
Her deep loyalty to her brother symbolized the unity and strength of the Oyoko Clan, reinforcing the Asante belief that the Golden Stool is sustained not only by the power of kings but also by the wisdom of queens.
Funeral Traditions and National Observance
While official funeral dates have yet to be announced, tradition dictates that the passing of an Asantehemaa will be marked by elaborate rites steeped in centuries-old customs. The Manhyia Palace will become the focal point of mourning, with chiefs, royals, and citizens from all corners of Asanteman converging to pay their respects.
The burial rites are expected to include lying-in-state ceremonies, traditional dirges, and royal processions, all reflecting the deep cultural heritage of the Ashanti people. Such events are not only moments of grief but also profound affirmations of identity and continuity.
Africa Live News Condolence Message
On behalf of our editorial team and readers across Africa and the diaspora, Africa Live News sends its deepest condolences to His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the royal family.
We honour Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III for her unwavering service, her wisdom in leadership, and her lifelong commitment to preserving the traditions that define Asanteman. Her reign may have ended, but her legacy will continue to inspire generations of women leaders across the continent.
Her passing is a reminder of the importance of Africa’s traditional institutions, not only as custodians of history but as active participants in shaping our contemporary identity. In mourning her, we also celebrate the resilience of African heritage, which she so gracefully represented.
A Legacy That Endures
As the Ashanti Kingdom begins its official mourning period, the life of Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III stands as a beacon of dignity, service, and cultural pride. Her leadership has reinforced the truth that in Africa’s great kingdoms, queens are as essential as kings in maintaining the balance of power and the continuity of tradition.
She now joins the ancestors, her spirit forever intertwined with the Golden Stool and the destiny of her people. May her journey to the ancestral world be peaceful, and may her memory remain a blessing to all who cherish the legacy of the Ashanti Kingdom.
Africa Live News will continue to follow developments from the Manhyia Palace and bring our readers updates on the arrangements for the late Asantehemaa’s final journey.
