Nana Yaa Akyaa II, the Asantehemaa, arriving at the venue of the ‘Akwasidae’ festival
NANA YAA Akyaa II officially celebrated her maiden ‘Akwasidae’ festival as the 15th Asantehemaa, amid pomp and pageantry, last Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Clad in white cloth, the new queen majestically sat in state as she supervised a grand and colourful durbar in her palace at Manhyia in Kumasi, the Ashanti regional capital.
The traditional programme was mostly attended by queenmothers in the Asante Kingdom, who were there to pay homage to the newly enstooled Asantehemaa.
Other dignitaries, including politicians, government officials, businessmen, traditional leaders, the clergy and people from various backgrounds, were also present at the event venue.
Significantly, some of the people at the traditional function were given the rare opportunity to shake hands with Nana Yaa Akyaa II, who was surrounded by her servants.
Known in private life as Nana Ama Bonsu, the new Asantehemaa was recently nominated by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, to occupy the Asantehemaa’s throne.
After going through some traditional processes in the Stool House at the Manhyia Palace, the new queen reportedly selected Nana Yaa Akyaa II as her official stool name.
Nana Yaa Akyaa II has replaced Nana Konadu Yiadom III, the 14th Asantehemaa, who unfortunately joined her ancestors in August 2025.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah, Kumasi