Bawumia mourns Asantehemaa, describes her as ‘mother to all’

The death of the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, has drawn an outpouring of grief and tributes from across Ghana, with former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia describing her as “a mother, not just the queen mother.”

In a heartfelt statement, Dr Bawumia joined the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asanteman Council, and the entire Ashanti Kingdom in mourning the 98-year-old monarch, who passed away quietly at dawn on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

“Her sense of compassion and open arms received many, of whom I am proud to have been part,” he wrote, recalling the late Queen Mother’s prayers, counsel, and words of encouragement as a source of personal strength.

The Oyoko Royal Family formally conveyed the news to the Asantehene during an emergency meeting of the Asanteman Traditional Council on Monday, August 11.

The palace is still observing strict customary mourning rites, with funeral details expected to be announced only after intricate traditional procedures have been completed.

Nana Konadu Yiadom III, born Nana Ama Konadu, was not only the 14th Queen Mother of Asanteman but also the biological sister of the current Asantehene — a rare royal link that reinforced the unity and authority of the Golden Stool.

She ascended the stool in 2018, succeeding her mother, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, who reigned for nearly four decades.

During her reign, she was widely respected for her wisdom, diplomacy, and commitment to preserving Ashanti culture and traditions.

She worked closely with the Asantehene to guide the kingdom through both modern challenges and the preservation of its centuries-old heritage.

The role of the Queen Mother in the Ashanti Kingdom extends far beyond ceremony.

She is the custodian of lineage, principal adviser to the Asantehene, and a maternal figure for the entire Asanteman.

Nana Konadu Yiadom III embodied these duties with grace, ensuring the survival and relevance of customs established since the time of Osei Tutu I and Okomfo Anokye.

Her death has been described by many in Kumasi and beyond as the loss of the “heartbeat of Asanteman.”