Otumfuor's 83-yr-old sister is next Asantehemaa

The Asantehene, Otumfuor Osei Tutu II has appointed his 83-year-old elder sister, Nana Ama Konadu, as the new Asantehemaa.

Nana Ama Konadu succeeds the late Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, who died at the age of 111.

Asantehemaa-elect Nana Ama Konadu

Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, the biological mother of Otumfuor Osei Tutu II who died in November last year after a 39-year reign as the Asantehemaa was recently buried after a colourful four-day funeral ceremony.

In accordance with the customs and traditions of the Asante Kingdom, Kokofuhemaa, Osagyefo Kusiwaa Mmua Bayie, was chosen to act as queen mother pending the naming of a successor.

An official announcement is expected from the Manyhia Palace soon to be followed by processes related with the enstoolment.

The Role of the Asantehemaa in Asanteman

The Asantehemaa plays a very significant role in the Asante Kingdom as she is deemed as the second most important person in the kingdom.

Apart from holding the second important office, she has the responsibility of nominating an Asantehene for confirmation when the throne becomes vacant

Also, being a repository of the Asante customs and traditions, she has special duties as the chief advisor of the Asantehene in matters of traditional importance.

With a court of her own, she is expected to arbitrate in disputes concerning women including petty squabbles and marital squabbles.

List of previous Asantehemaas:

1.  Nana Nyarko Kusiamoa                     (  1695 – 1722  )
2.  Nana Nkatia Abamo                           (  1722 –  1740 )
3. Nana Akua  Afriyie                              (  1740 – 1768  )
4.  Nana Konadu  Yiadom  I                    (  1768 – 1809 )
5.  Nana Akosua Adoma                          (  1809 – 1819  )
6.  Nana Ama Serwaa                               (  1819 – 1828  )
7.  Nana Yaa Dufie                                   (  1828 – 1836  )
8.   Nana Afua Sarpon                               (  1836 – 1857  )
9.   Nana Afua Kobi  I                                (  1857 – 1884  )
10.  Nana Yaa  Akyaa                                   (  1884 – 1917  )
11.  Nana Konadu Yiadom II                      (  1917 – 1945  )
12.  Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko                   (  1945 – 1977  )
13.  Nana Afua Serwaa Kobi Ampem II    (  1977 – 2016)