The Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, revered Queen Mother of the Ashanti Kingdom, has peacefully joined her ancestors at the age of 98.
The announcement was made at the Manhyia Palace during an Asanteman Council meeting chaired by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is n Monday, August 11, 2025.
Asantehene, who doubles as the leader of the Oyoko clan, made the announcement publicly during the Council meeting.
Otumfuo said, “the Queen joined her ancestors on August 6, 2025 peacefully in the palace”.
Her passing marks the end of nearly a decade of steady, compassionate leadership as the 14th Asantehemaa.
Born Nana Ama Konadu in 1927 at the Benyaade Shrine in Merdan, Kwadaso, Kumasi, she was the daughter of the late Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, Asantehemaa from 1977 to 2016, and Father of Opanin Kofi Fofie, a carpenter from Besease near Atimatim.
Affectionately called Nana Panin, she was raised at Ashanti New Town by her maternal aunt, Nana Afia Konadu, after being separated from her mother in infancy.
Despite not receiving formal education, Nana Konadu Yiadom III was deeply schooled in traditional leadership, womanhood, and cultural preservation.
In her teens, she underwent bragro (puberty rites) alongside her niece, Nana Abena Ansa, marking the start of a lifelong commitment to service.
Her path to the Golden Stool was foretold in the 1990s by spiritual priest Kwaku Firi Bosomfo through senior linguist Baffour Akoto.
The prophecy was fulfilled in 2016 after her mother’s passing, when she was enstooled as Asantehemaa on February 6.
During her reign, she played a vital role in Ashanti governance by servicing a counselor to Asantehene, advising the royal court, safeguarding matrilineal succession, and promoting justice.
She was known for resolving disputes with fairness, humility, and warmth, earning the trust of people from all walks of life.
Her leadership extended to philanthropy, particularly in healthcare.
On her fifth anniversary as Queen Mother, she donated to the Mother-Baby Unit, Pediatric Emergency Care Unit, and Pediatric Emergency Unit at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Manhyia Government District Hospital, while also covering medical expenses for new mothers.
She championed breastfeeding through an annual public campaign and was honoured by the Saviour Church with the naming of the Nana Konadu Saviour School.
Nana Konadu Yiadom III was married to Opanin Kwame Boateng, a blacksmith from Aduman, Kumasi.
She was widely respected for her calm, just, and nurturing leadership style, often described as the “quiet strength” behind the Golden Stool.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the Manhyia Palace in the coming days.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice Bediako
