Master keys of the Asante royal tomb (L) and a picture of Breman Baanmu (R)
During the four-day burial ceremony of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, held from Monday, September 15 to Thursday, September 18, 2025, numerous culturally significant items from the event resurfaced online.
One item that has captured the attention of many Ghanaians is the set of ancient ancestral master keys used to open every room in the “Aban”, the sacred ground where the Asantehemaa was laid to rest.
Historical records indicate that Breman Baanmu is the revered burial site for royals of the Oyoko family.
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According to research, the master keys used to lock and unlock every room in the “Aban” have been in use since 1822.
The Asante carved stone palace, located at Breman, a town in Kumasi, was built by the late Asantehene Mensa Bonsu.
Remarkably, the master keys still exist today and are kept by the Pinakohene, also known as the Obubasa.
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History also notes that the town of Breman was established by its late king, Otumfuo Osei Kwadwo Okoawie, who reigned from 1764 to 1777.
Otumfuo Osei Kwadwo, a renowned warrior, designated the sacred community as the final resting place for royals.
NB: Some information used in writing this article are sourced from the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and Siliconson.
JHM/EB
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