The Asante kingdom is currently observing a period of mourning following the recent death of its Queen Mother, the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III. Her passing has set in motion a series of solemn traditional ceremonies, with the final funeral rites scheduled to take place from Sunday, September 14, to Thursday, September 18, at the Manhyia Palace. This five-day period will see an unprecedented convergence of chiefs, queen mothers, and dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond, all coming together to pay their respects to the deceased Asantehemaa.
The death of the Asantehemaa was announced on August 11, 2025, by her brother, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Born Nana Ama Konadu, the late Queen Mother, who was the 14th Asantehemaa, ascended to the throne in 2017 after the death of her mother, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II. Respected as the second most powerful person in the Asanteman, Nana Konadu Yiadom III was celebrated for her loyalty, sagacious counsel, inner strength, and devotion to the traditions of her people.
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Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III Of Manhyia Palace Passes Away
One-Week Observation
On Thursday, August 21, 2025, the Asanteman held the one-week observation of the Queen Mother’s passing, a crucial event in Asante funeral rites that provides a formal opportunity for the community to come together in mourning. The atmosphere at the Manhyia Palace was a poignant blend of deep sorrow and rich cultural expression. Visuals from the event captured the raw emotion of the moment, with many women of Asanteman wailing openly in a traditional show of grief. The kingdom’s rich cultural heritage was on full display, with the sounds of traditional drums filling the air, accompanied by indigenous cultural dances.
A notable and eye-catching feature of the observation was the active involvement of priestesses from the Asante Kingdom. They were seen performing sacred rituals on the streets leading to the Manhyia Palace and within the palace grounds. Nearly all the paramount queen mothers of the kingdom were in attendance.
High-profile figures also came to pay their respects. The acting President of Ghana, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, joined the Asantehene and the entire Asante Kingdom to mourn the late Queen Mother. She was accompanied by a host of government officials and key members of the NDC party, including the party’s national chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, and General Secretary, Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey.
The Final Funeral Rites and a Stern Royal Decree
To ensure the solemnity and order of the final funeral rites for the late Asantehemaa, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has issued several strict warnings and directives through his Chief Linguist, Nana Nsuase Poku.
Ban on Public Gatherings
A complete ban has been placed on all public gatherings within Kumasi and its environs for the five-day mourning period, from Sunday, September 14, to Thursday, September 18. This includes all:
- Funerals
- Outdoor events
- Social activities
Warning Regarding the Burial Night
A particularly strong warning was issued for the night of the burial, which will take place on Thursday, September 18. On this evening, after the final funeral rites are completed, the Queen Mother will be laid to rest at Bantama.
The Chief Linguist explicitly stated that the evening will be a time of extreme solemnity and silence. He announced that:
- No noise should be made.
- No shops should be open.
- No one should be on the streets.
Finally, the Chief Linguist added that anyone found on the streets on that evening would “have themselves to blame”.
Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III Of Manhyia Palace Passes Away
