A ban on all funeral activities across Asanteman will take effect from Monday, September 2, 2025, ahead of the final funeral rites for the late Asantehemaa, Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III, scheduled for Saturday, September 14, 2025.
The directive, issued in accordance with Asante custom, is to preserve the sanctity and focus of the royal funeral, which marks the end of an era and the celebration of a life steeped in tradition, wisdom, and service.
A sea of mourners clad in black had earlier converged at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, as the one-week observance for the revered Queen Mother reached its emotional climax. The atmosphere was heavy with grief and reverence, as dignitaries from across the country paid homage.
Among those present were Vice President Naana Jane Opoku- Agyemang, former Presidents Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and several former Ministers of State. The clergy, traditional leaders, and a cross-section of the public also joined the solemn gathering.
The Ghana Journalists Association was represented by its President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, and Organising Secretary, Suleiman Mustapha, who joined the long retinue to pay their respects to the Asantehemaa.
The one-week observance served as a precursor to the funeral rites, offering the Asante people and the nation at large a moment to reflect on the legacy of Nana Konadu Yiadom III, who peacefully transitioned on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
In a poignant revelation on August 12, the Asantehene shared that the Queen Mother had been remarkably active on the morning of her final day, attending to her duties with characteristic vigour before her sudden departure in the afternoon.
Her passing came just a day after the nation was plunged into mourning following a tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight high-ranking government officials—an unprecedented moment of collective sorrow.
Born in 1927 at the sacred Benyaade Shrine in Merdan, Kwadaso, Nana Ama Konadu was the daughter of Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, Asantehemaa from 1977 to 2016, and Opanin Kofi Fofie, a respected carpenter from Besease near Atimatim.
She ascended the stool on February 6, 2016, becoming the 14th Asantehemaa. Her eight-year reign was marked by a graceful fusion of ancient tradition and modern leadership, earning her admiration across generations.
The Asantehene is expected to announce further details of the funeral rites in consultation with the Abusuapanin of the Oyoko clan. As tradition holds, he will also appoint the next Queen Mother—a decision that will shape the future of the Ashanti Kingdom.
FROM KINGSLEY E. HOPE,
KUMASI
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