The Ashanti Kingdom (Asanteman), led by its ruler, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, marked the sixth Akwasidae festival of 2025 on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
Unlike the usual pride and pageantry that is seen during the Akwasidae celebration, which showcases the worth of Asanteman, the 6th Akwasidae was more solemn due to the demise of the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
The Akwasidae was marked with all attendees, including the Asantehene, clad in black and brown attire, without the usual display of ornaments, in honour of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
From Kusi Amoa to Konadu Yiadom III: List of all Asantehemaas since the creation of the Asante Kingdom
According to a report by opemsuo.com, Akwasidae celebrations during a state of mourning are referred to as “Akwasidae Tuntum” or “Kuntunkuni Dae.”
Kuntunkuni Dae depicts the Kingdom’s state of mourning of a queen mother or a king, when the commemoration of the Akwasidae festival, which is celebrated every 40 days, coincides with the death of a royal of the kingdom.
The report indicated that the Asantehene, after performing the required rites for the festival, sat in state at the Manhyia Palace to receive homage from participants.
How the next Asantehemaa, a custodian of the Golden Stool, will be chosen
Despite the state of mourning, the celebration saw the beauty of the Fontomfrom music and dance, with Nana Amponsah Kwaw, Atwima Kwanwomahene; Nana Nuben Sra II, Tredehene; Nana Apinkra Akwasi Awua, Kontomponiaferehene; and other traditional rulers, all displaying their dancing prowess.
Executioners of Asanteman also came to show their respect to the King, who mourned his traditional mother with the Aprede dance.
See visuals from the event below:
Akwasidae tuntum 💔
— The Asante Nation (@Asante_nation) August 17, 2025
Asante Kingdom marks Sixth Akwasidae in black and brown, without ornaments.
The sixth Akwasidae festival across Asanteman was marked without colours or jewellery.
Read more: https://t.co/LqjHwECGNd pic.twitter.com/1KzuLzRr3n
The Citadel of Education, FIAPRE! pic.twitter.com/ivt1aweFeP
— The Asante Nation (@Asante_nation) August 17, 2025
BAI/VPO
Meanwhile, watch the trailer to GhanaWeb’s yet-to-air documentary on teenage girls and how fish is stealing their futures below:
