Nana Agyakoma Difie, Mamponghemaa, paying homage to Otumfuo at Manhyia
THE ASANTEMAN Traditional Council has suspended all their activities, including their periodic meetings at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, until further notice.
The rare decision has been taken by the Council to honour the memory of Daasebre Osei Bonsu, the Asante Mampong paramount chief, who died after a short illness recently.
Otumfuo personally announced the suspension of meetings and other activities of the council during the Asanteman Traditional Council meeting at Manhyia Palace last Monday.
The late chief was the occupant of the revered Silver Stool, thereby making him the second-in-command of the Asante Kingdom after Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene.
Otumfuo described the deceased chief as a pivotal member of the Asanteman Traditional Council, stressing that the Mamponghene deserved to be honoured posthumously.
In this regard, he has therefore directed Nana Agyakoma Difie, the Mampong Queenmother and her elders to mark the one-week rites of the late chief on Monday, May 12, 2025.
According to the Asantehene, the burial of the deceased Mamponghene should take place three weeks after the one-week rites, urging the Mampong Queenmother to take note.
Otumfuo, whose body language and actions depicted that he was sad, stated emphatically that the replacement of the late chief should be found 40 days after his death.
“I don’t want any delays, the one-week rites is on Monday, and three weeks later I will come to Mampong to bury him. Afterwards, you should find his replacement for Mampong.
“After 40 days of his death, I want his replacement. The new chief should come and mark Daasebere Osei Bonsu’s 80 days death rite,” the Asantehene announced to his audience.
Considering the importance of the Mampong stool to the Asante Kingdom, the Asantehene explained that such a big and respectable stool should not be vacant for a long time.
Otumfuo stated that Mamponghene’s death is a great blow to the entire Asanteman, urging residents of the kingdom to contribute for a befitting burial for Daasebre Osei Bonsu.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah, Kumasi