Manhyia Palace Marks Seventh Awukudae Solemnly

The Manhyia Palace has solemnly observed the seventh Awukudae Festival today.

The event was sombre as the Kingdom mourns the passing of its Queen, Nana Konadu Yiadom III. In accordance with tradition, His Majesty and all participants clad themselves in black outfits to reflect their grief.

Held on September 10, 2025, participants used the occasion to pay homage to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene.

It was also used to extend condolence messages over the passing of the Asantehemaa, and make donations in support of the upcoming burial rites of the Queen.

The event drew Nananom, individuals, identifiable groups and corporate organisations to the Palace in Kumasi.

Among them were former Diplomat Isaac Osei, former Central Command GOC Brigadier-General Michael Opoku, Standard Chartered Bank, Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, National Insurance Commission, Grace Baptist Church (Amakom – Kumasi) and Asanteman Nwomkro and Kete Group.

Also present were Asante Youth Association (AYA), Ghana National Union of Queenmothers, X5 Pub & Restaurant CEO Kwaku Sarpong, Centre for National Culture, United Ghana Empire, Sweden Asantes Union, Ashtown branch of Assemblies of God Church, UCC Vice Chancellor Prof Johnson Nyarko Boampong, CEO of Amegashie Herbal Clinic, Dr. Samuel Amagashie and others.

Donations
Medical practitioner Dr. Thomas Agyarko-Poku led the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof Boampong, and three others to announce donations of 400 packs of bottled water each to the Palace.

The National Insurance Commission, for its part, presented 110 packs of water and expressed its sympathies.

While Grace Baptist Church gave 20 packs of bottled water and 15 cartons of soft drinks, the Ghana National Union of Queenmothers gave 50 packs of bottled water and drinks.

The United Ghana Empire led by Nana Osei Agyemang and Asanteman Sweden Association also represented by a fellow announced a donation of assorted drinks.

Pro-Asante group AYA gave 20 packs of water; Dr. Samuel Amagashie gave 20 soft drinks, 60 packs of bottled water and other assorted drinks; Asanteman Nwomkro and Kete Group gave schnapps and 200 packs of bottled water.

For his part, the Chief Executive Officer of X5 Pub & Restaurant, Mr Samuel Sarpong, committed to supplying 500 bottles of mashed kenkey each day to courtiers during the burial rites.

Story by Hajara Fuseini