Colorful one-week celebration of Asantehemaa

The Manhyia Palace was draped in solemnity on Thursday, August 21, as the Ashanti Kingdom observed the one-week celebration of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

Traditional rituals filled the palace courtyard as mourners gathered to honour the revered queen mother, daughter of the 13th Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem III.

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, together with Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, signed the book of condolence on arrival, joining the royal family and sympathisers.

Former Presidents Nana Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor were in attendance, as was the New Patriotic Party’s 2024 Vice Presidential Candidate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh.

The National Democratic Congress also paid its respects with a delegation led by National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia and General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, announced that the final funeral rites will be held from Sunday, September 14 to Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Manhyia Palace.

Ahead of the ceremonies, he declared a ban on public gatherings, including funerals, outdoor events, and social activities, within Kumasi and surrounding areas during the five-day period.

Nana Konadu Yiadom III, who passed earlier this month, was the longest-serving Asantehemaa in modern history, remembered for her wisdom, grace, and immense contribution to the Asante Kingdom.

Myjoyonline’s photojournalist, Sammy Moore, was at Manhyia Palace and captured moments from the one-week observance.

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