The Asante Kingdom reportedly lost its queen mother, Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III, on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

Her death was confirmed by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Monday, August 11, 2025.

The Asantehemaa is the second most powerful person in Asanteman, being the co-custodian of the Golden Stool with the Asantehene, although the latter is the only occupant of the stool.

From Kusi Amoa to Konadu Yiadom III: List of all Asantehemaas since the creation of the Asante Kingdom

The queen mother of Asanteman also leads in choosing the king.

The Asantehene is expected to nominate a successor to the late Konadu Yiadom III, who was his senior sister, within two weeks of her burial.

After a new queen mother is enstooled, she will, together with the Asantehene, organise the final funeral rites of the late Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III in a year’s time.

Who can the Asantehene nominate as the next Asantehemaa?

The Asantehene, despite his power, cannot choose just any person to be the Asantehemaa.

First of all, Akan traditions demand that the Asantehemaa must come from the Oyoko royal clan, the same as the Asantehene.

Aside from being an Oyoko royal, the Asantehemaa must be a woman of integrity, wisdom, and deep knowledge of Ashanti customs.

According to an article published on explorekumasi.com, there is a selection process which involves respected elders and royals from the rightful lineage.

The key royals who play crucial roles in this selection process are the Kokofuhemaa, paramount queen mother of Kokofu — currently Osagygefo Kissiwaa Mmua Baayie II — and the queen mother of Kenyasi.

Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III is dead

Both queen mothers are from the Oyoko clan, and one of them will be selected to act as the acting Asantehemaa until a new one is enstooled.

After the Oyoko royals are done with their deliberations, they will consult other respected royals for their input on the right person to be the Asantehemaa.

The next step is for the Asante Traditional Council to be informed of the decision made by the royal clan.

The council will then confirm whether all steps taken in the selection of the next queen mother were according to established traditions.

BAI/VPO

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