Nana Ama Bonsu
Nana Ama Bonsu has been officially outdoored as the 15th Asantehemaa, succeeding the late Nana Konadu Yiadom III, during a colourful traditional ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi yesterday.
The ceremony marked the formal installation of the new Queen of Asante and brought to an end the transition period following the death of Nana Konadu Yiadom III in 2025, which left vacant one of the most revered traditional positions in Asanteman.
Her selection followed the established customs and traditions of the Asante Kingdom.
As part of the installation process, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II convened a meeting of key traditional authorities, including the Kokofuhemaa, Kenyasehemaa, Nana Asantehemaa Kotimso ne Nkonson, Otumfuo Gyaasehene, the Oyoko Abohyen Abusuapanin and other senior elders, to formally announce the nominee for the vacant female stool.
Following the announcement, the traditional leaders were dispatched to escort Nana Ama Bonsu to the Manhyia Palace.
She was accompanied on foot to the Asantehemaa’s Palace amid drumming, singing and jubilant celebrations.
In accordance with tradition, she was sprinkled with white powder, symbolising joy and victory, before being ushered into the palace.
Nana Ama Bonsu was then seated on the official Asantehemaa stool, where Otumfuo’s Linguist, Baffour Kantankrakyi, formally announced her enstoolment in the presence of traditional leaders.
She subsequently received homage from elders, royals and well-wishers.
Stool Name
According to sources in the palace, Nana Ama Bonsu would be taken to the stool house, after which her traditional name as Asantehemaa, would be made public.
“Nana Ama Bonsu is her private name and she will choose a stool name after going to the stool house to perform some rituals,” a source at Manhyia Palace informed the paper.
Outdooring
Meanwhile, the DAILY GUIDE has gathered that the new Asantehemaa would be introduced to the Asanteman Traditional Council and Kumasi Traditional Council (KTC) soon.
“Possibly, this coming Thursday, the Asanteman Traditional Council would meet at Manhyia Palace where the new queen would be officially introduced to Nananom by Otumfuo.
“Hopefully, by that time the new Asantehemaa would have chosen her stool name already,” the source, who demanded anonymity said, adding that “there is joy in Asanteman.”
The Asantehemaa Stool
The Asantehemaa stool is one of the most powerful and revered stools in the Asante Kingdom. The occupant of the stool is regarded as the mother of the whole kingdom.
The Asantehemaa is also regarded as the mother of the Asantehene. Among her key duties is to always give wise counsel and direction to the Asantehene to succeed.
The Asantehemaa occupies one of the highest offices in the Asante Kingdom. Beyond serving as Queen, she is the custodian of the royal lineage and plays a pivotal role in the nomination and selection of an Asantehene whenever the Golden Stool becomes vacant.
The office also carries responsibility for preserving Asante customs and traditions, advising the traditional leadership and championing the welfare of women, children and the broader Asante community.
The outdooring of Nana Ama Bonsu is widely regarded as a continuation of the centuries-old traditions of the Asante Kingdom.
A Daily Guide Report