Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has paid a moving tribute to the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, describing her as a confidant whose advice helped him navigate the burdens of kingship.
In a message delivered on his behalf by business magnate, Sam Jonah at the Dɔte Yie (final funeral rites) of the late Queen Mother, the Asante monarch said she had been his most trusted adviser, offering guidance with a rare blend of maternal care and friendship.
“For me personally, she was my confidant. In moments [when the] burdens of kingship pressed heavily upon [me], I could turn to her not as the Asantehemaa but as my sister, ‘menua panin’. She had the rare ability to speak to me as both a mother and a friend,” Otumfuo stated.
He praised her counsel as measured and rooted in deep experience.
“Her words were never reckless, never shallow. They were words that came from a deep well of experience and wisdom,” he added.
The solemn ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi drew several of Ghana’s most prominent political figures, including, President Mahama, Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, former presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who joined the Asantehene to honour the late Queen Mother.
Earlier in the day, schools, and businesses were shut down in observance of the final burial rites, following a directive from the Manhyia Palace.
The closures mark the culmination of the four-day Dote Yie (traditional burial rites), which began on Monday, September 14, 2025, and have drawn tens of thousands of mourners, including high-ranking dignitaries from Ghana and beyond.
As part of the commemoration, a curfew was imposed for Thursday night, September 18,2025, requiring residents to remain indoors as the Asantehemaa’s remains are moved to the Royal mausoleum at Breman for burial.
Throughout the week, the funeral has been characterised by elaborate Asante culture and solemn rituals.
The funeral rites saw delegations from religious bodies, political parties, schools, NGOs, and corporate organisations paying tribute at the Manhyia Palace.
The Asantehemaa would be transported to Bantama Mausoleum (Ban mu), then to Breman Mausoleum for burial.
Nana Konadu Yiadom III, who was 98, passed away on August 7, 2025.
Source:Lovinghananews.com
