Monarchical Historian at the Manhyia Palace, Opanin Osei-Bonsu Safo-Kantanka, has issued a stern warning to the public, particularly the media, to be mindful of the information they circulate regarding the passing of the Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II.

He cautioned the public and media against speculating about the date of the funeral, potential successors to the Mampong stool, or spreading misinformation, especially as the designated committee has yet to convene and release any official communication.

“The public should not jump the gun on behalf of the Asante Kingdom when the committee in charge has not disclosed any such information,” he said.

In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb, the Manhyia historian noted that the Ashanti Kingdom is on high alert and urged everyone, especially media outlets, to exercise caution and sensitivity in their language to avoid offending anyone.

Regarding funeral preparations, he stated that now that the Asantehene and the people of Mampong have been informed, the next step will be to formally announce the chief’s passing to the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

He explained that after informing Nana Yiadom, a committee will be formed to deliberate and subsequently announce the dates for the one-week observance and the burial ceremony to inform the public.

Safo-Kantanka added that the committee will open nominations for candidates to fill the vacant stool. A name will be selected from the nominees and subjected to vetting. The Queen Mother of Mampong, Nana Agyakoma Difie II, will have three opportunities to propose a nominee if the previous ones are rejected after vetting.

Once all customary protocols have been observed, a new chief will be installed. The newly enstooled Mamponghene will then lead the arrangements for the final and befitting burial rites for the late chief.

The Mampong Silver Stool is the second most powerful in the hierarchy of the Ashanti Kingdom, making the Mamponghene second in command in the absence of the Asantehene.

Daasebre Osei Bonsu, born on December 31, 1939, passed away at the age of 86, after serving as Mamponghene for 26 years.

Before ascending the throne, he was known as Saint Oswald Gyimah-Kessie, a lawyer and economist who also served as Registrar of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

Renowned for his diplomacy and unwavering dedication, Daasebre Osei Bonsu leaves behind a legacy of decades of service to his people and to Ghana’s wider chieftaincy institution.

His death was formally communicated to the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace, in accordance with the deeply rooted customs of the Asante Kingdom.

His last public appearance was at the most recent Akwasidae Festival in Mampong, where he publicly criticised some NDC supporters for allegedly fueling tribal divisions during their protest against the nomination of a Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Mampong Municipal Assembly.


VA/MA