Crowd Erupts as Chairman Wontumi Arrives at Asantehemaa’s Funeral
The third day of the funeral rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi witnessed a dramatic moment on Wednesday, September 17, when Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, made his entry.
Arriving at 12:10 p.m., Wontumi’s presence quickly became a spectacle. Surrounded by heavily built security men, he struggled to make his way through the massive crowd of mourners who had gathered to pay their last respects to the revered Queen Mother.
What began as a tense moment, with security men pushing through the throng, soon turned into jubilation after Chairman Wontumi ordered his guards to stop. He stood for a while, exchanging pleasantries and shaking hands with some mourners, sparking excitement among sections of the crowd.
Groups of women could be heard chanting, “Ashanti is still for you and the NPP,” in admiration of the regional party chairman. His presence momentarily drew attention away from the arrival of some prominent chiefs and queen mothers, as journalists and even traditional leaders paused to watch him.
The ongoing funeral of Nana Konadu Yiadom III has become one of the most significant cultural events in recent times. The four-day observance has brought together chiefs, queen mothers, traditional priests, and dignitaries from across Ghana and neighboring countries. It has also featured solemn rituals, drumming, and colourful displays that reflect the deep traditions of Asanteman.
Despite the prominence of traditional authority and cultural heritage at the funeral, Chairman Wontumi’s arrival added a political twist to proceedings, underlining the close ties between politics and society in the Ashanti Region.
