The late Nana Afia Kobi Serwah Ampem
The Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwah Ampem, has joined her ancestors at an advanced age of 111, after losing the battle against a prolonged illness.
The sudden departure to eternity of the queen mother reportedly occurred at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi Monday evening.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, broke the sad news to the Kumasi Traditional Council (KTC) during a meeting yesterday.
This was followed with a statement from the Manhyia Palace confirming that “she passed away peacefully at her palace on Monday, 14th November, 2016.”
The statement paid tribute to the Asantehemaa, saying “she has been a pillar of strength and source of wisdom behind the transformational reign of his Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene.”
The traditional one-week rites will be performed at the Manhyia Palace on Thursday, 24th November, 2016.
Attendants of the traditional meeting were clad in black clothes, sending strong signal that Asanteman had lost an important personality.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is a biological son of Nana Afia Kobi Serwah Ampem, who reigned as Asantehemaa for 39 years – enstooled in 1977.
Achievements
The departed queen mother ably supported the late Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, which made his reign as Asantehene, a great success.
She is also credited for providing wise counsel and support to the sitting Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, resulting in great successes chalked by the king so far.
Sad News
Otumfuo, clearly in a sad mood, said the Nkonson and the Kutimso divisions at the Asantehemaa’s palace had officially informed him of Nana Afia Kobi’s demise.
He described the death of his mother as a great loss to Asanteman, declaring that the Asante Kingdom is now in a state of mourning.
Chiefs Console Otumfuo
At that moment, the Bantamahene, Baffuor Owusu Amankwatia VI and Asafohene, Acheamfuo Kwame Akowuah, consoled Otumfuo.
The two powerful chiefs left their seats and shook hands with the Asantehene, who was sitting in state, urging him to take heart.
Some traditional Asante drums were then played at the palace to officially announce to the Asante Kingdom about the death of the queen mother.
Some of the mourners at the Manhyia Palace on Thursday
One-Week Celebration
Otumfuo said the one-week celebration of the demise of the late Asantehemaa would be held at the forecourt of the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi next week Thursday.
According to him, details of the funeral arrangements would be announced during the one-week celebration.
Ban On Drumming
The Asante Monarch also announced that an immediate ban had been imposed on drumming and dancing in the Ashanti Region, as the people continue to mourn.
Mourners Visit Manhyia
Meanwhile, the Manhyia Palace, the official seat of the Asantehene, has attracted people from all walks of life since the death of Nana Afia Kobi.
Traditional leaders, top politicians, the clergy, businessmen and people from all walks of life have visited the palace to console Otumfuo.
From I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi