The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has described the reign of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, as one defined by dignity, humility, and selfless service to the Ashanti Kingdom.

In a glowing tribute, the Asantehene said she embodied the true meaning of leadership, balancing majesty with compassion.

“She sat in majesty, yet never placed herself above her people. She was the voice of the woman in the market, the comfort of widows, the guardian of orphans, and the reconciler of families in dispute,” he said in a tribute read by Ghanaian business magnate Sir Sam Jonah.

The Asantehene stressed that her court was a place of patience, wisdom, and care, noting that her private life revealed the tenderness of a mother. “She reminded us that leadership is not about command, but about care; not about domination, but about compassion,” he added.

Reflecting on their close bond, the Asantehene said the late Queen Mother was more than a monarch; she was his elder sister and confidante.

He emphasised the spiritual and cultural significance of the bond between Asantehemaa and Asantehene, describing it as a cornerstone of Ashanti governance. That bond, he said, was strengthened during his reign by the unique fact that the Queen Mother was his senior sister.

“Together, we carried the weight of Asanteman—two shoes, two rows, yet one heart for our people,” the Asantehene declared.

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The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has described the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, as both the spiritual mother of Asanteman and one of his greatest pillars of strength.

In a deeply emotional tribute read on his behalf by business leader Dr. Sam Jonah, the Asantehene said the passing of his elder sister had left “an emptiness in my heart and in the soul of Asanteman.”

“It is not easy for me, as king, to put into words the depth of my grief. For the nation has lost a mother, and I have lost not only a sister but also one of my greatest pillars of strength,” he said.

He described Nana Konadu Yiadom III as more than a queen in title, noting that her calm and measured presence held together the family, lineage, and traditions of the Ashanti Kingdom.

“She was truly the mother of the kingdom, the one whose presence held together the delicate threads of our family and our heritage,” he said.

Reflecting on their bond before his ascension to the throne, the Asantehene recalled her role in preparing him for leadership.

“Before the weight of the Golden Stool was placed upon me, she had already carried the weight of sisterhood, counsel, and love. She guided me with a steady hand as an elder, preparing me in ways I did not fully understand until destiny placed the Golden Stool upon me.”

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Schools, offices, and businesses in Kumasi are expected to close on Thursday, September 18, as the Manhyia Palace announces stringent rules for the burial rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

The Funeral Planning Committee is courting the participation and respect of administrative rules to ensure a smooth and dignified observance of the burial scheduled from September 14 to 18, 2025.

As part of the arrangement for the Dote Yie, street vendors, motorcycles, mopeds, and tricycles are barred from operating along the main streets of the Manhyia Palace, whilst social and economic activities in Kumasi will halt on Thursday.

The committee has cautioned that anyone who flouts these directives will face strict consequences.

The week-long observance of the royal burial rites known as ‘Dote Yie’ of Nana Konadu Yiadom III, Asantehemaa, will attract thousands of mourners and high-profile guests in Ghana and beyond.

The Funeral Planning Committee, chaired by the Omanhene of the Bompata Traditional Area, Nana Efa Apenteng, is assuring order, dignity, and security during the burial rites.

“The burial service on Monday is slated for Churches, Clergy, Political Parties, Educational Institutions, NGOS, Telecommunication Companies, Corporate Institutions, all recognized associations and the General Public at the Manhyia Premises.

“Tuesday 16th September, Judiciary & Ghana Bar, Security Agencies, GAF, Gh Police, Gh Fire, Gh Prisons, Gh Immigration, Customs, SOE’s & Public officials, Financial Institutions and General Public.

“Wednesday 17th September, Reps of National House of Chiefs and Regional Houses, Ministers of State, Diplomatic Corps, Parliamentarians, MCEs & DCEs and General Public,” he said.

Nana Efa Apenteng explained the stringent arrangements are to prevent congestion, disruptions, and breaches of protocol at the Manhyia Palace.

“All Cars parked wrongfully within the vicinity of the Manhyia will be towed away from Friday 14th September. All citizens whose own cars within the roads blocked, if affected, should kindly seek alternative parking to avoid any inconveniences.

“All deliveries into the Palace and any Service provider must complete their delivery by the close of day Saturday, 13th of September 2025. No recording device (cameras, microphones, phones, pens, buttons etc.) should be brought for the filing past of Asantehemaa.

“Neither the Funeral Planning Committee nor the Gyaase of Manhyia has instructed anybody to collect any donation or its sort from anybody, so anyone who does that should be arrested. The public can freely park at the Central Mosque, Degraft Memorial Methodist Church premises and Asawase Metro Cluster of Schools. All property will be well protected by the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies,” he said.

On all the days, no one is allowed to take pictures from where the queen mother will be laid; women should remove their necklace and scarf from their head before they file past the mortal remains of the queen mother.

Nana Effa Apenteng cautioned that on Thursday night, everyone should remain indoors as the queen mother will be sent to Bremang for the internment.

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