-Elderly Man Collapses at Manhyia Palace During Asantehemaa’s Funeral
The solemn atmosphere at the Manhyia Palace on Thursday, September 18, 2025, was briefly disrupted when an elderly man collapsed during the final funeral rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
The man, believed to be in his 60s and dressed in black mourning cloth, fell unconscious while watching an energetic Kete dance performance. Emergency personnel from the Ghana Ambulance Service, who had been stationed at the palace grounds, rushed to his side. They resuscitated him before placing him on a stretcher and transferring him into an ambulance.
Eyewitnesses say the ambulance, with registration number GV 70-20, had a difficult time making its way through the massive crowd that had filled the palace grounds as early as mid-morning. At the main entrance, the situation worsened as chiefs in full regalia, accompanied by their subjects, were processing into the funeral grounds. Despite blaring sirens, the sound was drowned by the heavy rhythms of Kete and Adowa performers and competing loudspeakers. Eventually, the ambulance managed to reach the Manhyia Government Hospital, where the man was handed over to medical staff.
The collapse occurred during what has been described as one of the most historic and culturally rich funerals in Asanteman’s history. The four-day farewell for the late Asantehemaa, which climaxed on Thursday, drew thousands of mourners, including royals, political leaders, and delegations from neighboring countries.
Throughout the rites, the palace grounds came alive with traditional music, dancing, and rituals steeped in centuries-old Ashanti custom. Chiefs, draped in dazzling kente cloth, paid homage to the late Queen Mother, while cultural troupes from Togo and Benin thrilled mourners with performances.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, led the ceremonies, receiving dignitaries and well-wishers who came to mourn with Asanteman. The late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, who reigned with dignity and was widely admired for her wisdom and compassion, was laid to rest amid the grandeur of Ashanti tradition.
Though the health scare involving the elderly man created a moment of alarm, the day continued with deep reverence for the Asantehemaa, whose passing has left a lasting void in the Ashanti Kingdom.
