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The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Monday officially welcomed the newly enstooled Asantehemaa, Nana Ama Bonsu, during a colourful ceremony steeped in the rich customs and traditions of the Asante Kingdom at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
Nana Ama Bonsu becomes the 15th Asantehemaa, succeeding the late Nana Konadu Yiadom III, who passed away in August 2025. The ceremony attracted hundreds of women clad in traditional black and red attire, creating a vibrant atmosphere as they celebrated what many described as the beginning of a new chapter in the kingdom’s history.
After a meeting of the Kumasi Traditional Council, the Asantehene personally walked the short distance of about 100 metres from the palace to the residence of the new Queenmother, in keeping with long-established Asante custom. The symbolic gesture underscored the importance of the occasion and reflected the deep respect accorded to the office of the Asantehemaa.
The newly installed Queenmother was greeted with singing, drumming and dancing as enthusiastic well-wishers showered her with talcum powder—a cherished Asante tradition symbolising honour, blessings and royal dignity.
Nana Ama Bonsu comes from a distinguished royal lineage. She is a granddaughter of Otumfuo Agyeman Prempeh I, who, together with the legendary Nana Yaa Asantewaa, was exiled to the Seychelles by the British following the Anglo-Asante War. She is also a niece of Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyeman Prempeh II and the sister of the late Nana Akwasi Agyeman, a former Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.
In accordance with Asante tradition, Nana Ama Bonsu was escorted from her family residence, located opposite the Manhyia Palace, to the official residence of the Asantehemaa. There, she was formally seated on the Asantehemaa Stool, after which the Asantehene’s Linguist, Baffour Kantankrakyi, officially proclaimed her enstoolment, bringing the customary installation rites to a successful conclusion.
Source:Omanghana.com
