Tears Flow as Asantehemaa Lies in State
The Manhyia Palace was on Monday, September 15, 2025, engulfed in mourning as thousands of people converged to pay their last respects to the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, whose body was laid in state.
From dawn, mourners from all walks of life — traders, farmers, chiefs, students, and dignitaries — formed long queues stretching beyond the palace gates. Dressed in red and black, many openly wept as traditional dirges and solemn drumming echoed across the palace grounds.
“I had to be here. She was a true mother to the Ashanti people,” said Adwoa Serwaa, a trader from Bekwai. “This is history, and I cannot miss it.” Another mourner, Kwaku Amponsah, remarked, “Her leadership and counsel will remain with us forever.”
The day’s rituals were not only about mourning but also cultural grandeur. Chiefs in full regalia paid homage in turns, while traditional priests and priestesses from across Ashanteman performed sacred rites at designated spots within the palace grounds. Chanting, libation, and spiritual invocations were carried out to seek the ancestors’ blessings for the journey of the departed queen mother. The shrill cries of priestesses, combined with rhythmic drumming and dancing, created a powerful spiritual atmosphere that left mourners in awe.
Security was heavily deployed as the palace precincts swelled with mourners, ensuring order as people streamed in and out throughout the day.
Funeral Programme
The Manhyia Palace has outlined the week-long programme of rites:
Monday, September 15: Body laid in state for public viewing, with sacred rites performed by traditional priests and priestesses.
Tuesday, September 16: Continuation of viewing, with cultural displays and homage by chiefs and queen mothers.
Wednesday, September 17: Official state day. The President, former presidents, ministers, MPs, and other dignitaries will attend.
Thursday, September 18: Grand durbar and climax of the funeral. All businesses, schools, and markets in Kumasi will shut down. Traditional rulers from Ghana and abroad will converge for the ceremony.
Friday, September 19: Thanksgiving rites and closing rituals by the royal family and the Asanteman Council.
As the funeral progresses, many mourners say the presence of the priests and priestesses symbolizes the deep spiritual bond between the Asantehemaa and the ancestors — a connection they believe will continue even in her passing.
