Asantehemaa Dɔte Yie: I Will Never Forget Nana Konadu Yiadom III- Otumfuo

The Occupant of the Golden Stool, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has vowed to firmly guard the memory of his late sister and Queen of the Asante Kingdom, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

In a tribute read on his behalf by businessman Sir Sam Jonah, His Majesty stated that in her role as the Asantehemaa, she duly performed her duty as the mother of the Kingdom and, with her calm and measured presence, held together the delicate thread of their family, lineage and tradition.

The King noted that her eight-year reign was marked by dignity, humility and service.

“She sat in Majesty yet never placed herself above her people. She was the voice of the women in the markets, the comfort of widows, the guardian of orphans and the reconciler of families in dispute. She reminded us that leadership is not about command but care, not about domination but about compassion.”

“In her court, she listened with patience. In counsel, she spoke with wisdom, in ceremony, she carried herself with Majesty and in her private life, she showed a tenderness that only a mother can offer.”

The King observes that while traders at the various markets in Kumasi and the youth respectively found a mother and grandmother in her, he found a great counsellor, comfort and strength in her.

Otumfuo thus affirmed, “I will never forget her.”

The Asantehene also stated that the legacy of Her Majesty will transcend generations.

The Asante Nation will forever remember and honour her name. Generations yet unborn will speak of Nana Konadu Yiadom III as a woman of peace, patience, grace and of unshakable service. Asante will never forget her. I will never forget her.

The burial service took place at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi as part of the final burial rites on September 18, 2025.

Present at the event are President John Dramani Mahama, Deputy Eswatini Prime Minister Senator Thulisile Dladla, Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Former President John Agyekum Kufuor.

Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Former Second Lady Samira Bawumia, former First Lady Nana Agyemang Konadu Rawlings, IGP Christian Yohunu, BoG Governor Dr Johnson Asiamah and others also joined.

The final day of the burial rites will later witness the laying to rest of the late Asantehemaa, with her ancestors at the royal mausoleum at Breman Abusuakruwa.

The rites commenced on Monday, September 15.

A key point to note is the institution of the restriction on outdoor movement effective 7 pm on September 18 to make way for the burial of Asantehemaa.

The Queen, who was the only remaining sibling of the Asantehene, passed away peacefully at her residence at the Manhyia Palace on August 7, 2025.

Story by Hajara Fuseini