Nana Ama Konadu
Nana Ama Konadu, an elder sister of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has been elected as the new Asantehemaa, amid jubilations.
The new queen succeeds her late mother, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, who died 80 days ago and was buried recently.
Reports from the Manhyia Palace indicated that the newly elected Asante queen mother would traditionally be introduced to Asanteman later in the week.
Her stool name is expected to be announced on that day, this paper has gathered.
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II elected his sister on Monday at the palace in the presence of other royals.
There were spontaneous jubilations at the palace where scores of elated people danced to traditional ‘Adowa’ and ‘Kete’ tunes.
Some of the royals and well-wishers were seen smeared with white powder to signify victory and their joy over the election of the new queen.
Nana Ama Konadu is the first of the five children of the late Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II while Otumfuo is the last born.
The announcement of Nana Ama Konadu as the new Asante queen coincided with the 80th day anniversary of the demise of Nana Afia Kobi.
Scores of prominent Asante chiefs and queen mothers trooped to the Asantehemaa’s palace to congratulate Nana Ama Konadu.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who was carried in a palanquin, also visited the Asantehemaa’s palace to congratulate the new queen mother.
The traditional leaders later converged on the forecourt of the Manhyia Palace to mark the 80th day of the passing away of the Asantehemaa.
Otumfuo, clad in mourning cloth, arrived at the venue, amid the firing of musketry and the singing of dirges.
Some selected powerful chiefs and queen mothers were allowed to pay homage to Otumfuo, who sat in state.
From I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi