Bawumia Steals the Spotlight at Asantehemaa’s Funeral
The 2024 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, drew massive attention on Thursday when he arrived at the funeral grounds of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
Dr. Bawumia, accompanied by his wife, Samira Bawumia, and a high-profile entourage of NPP stalwarts, arrived in a white Man Lion’s Coach bus with registration number GE 5593-23 at about 11:20 a.m. His presence electrified the crowd, prompting thunderous cheers from mourners who had been eager to catch a glimpse of him.
Among those in his company were the former Majority Leader and MP for Suame, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu; former NPP Communications Director, Nana Akomea; National Organiser, Sammy Awuku; Bono Regional Chairman, Abronye DC; Ashanti Regional Secretary, Sam Payne; and former Minister of Works and Housing, Samuel Atta Akyea, among others.
The security personnel on duty struggled to control the situation as the enthusiastic crowd surged forward, making it difficult for the entourage to alight from the vehicle. A human barricade was quickly formed by the security to escort the team toward the Manhyia Secretariat.
For close to 15 minutes, the funeral grounds came to a standstill as mourners sang and chanted popular NPP songs while following Dr. Bawumia and his entourage. At some point, the NPP flagbearer paused to greet mourners, shake hands, and wave, with many attempting to capture photos of him and his wife.
The final funeral rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, who passed away at the age of 98, have drawn thousands of mourners from across Ghana and beyond. The Asantehemaa, mother of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was celebrated for her role as a custodian of Ashanti culture and traditions during her 7-year reign as queen mother.
The week-long funeral has been marked by spectacular cultural displays, rituals, and visits from political, traditional, and religious leaders, underscoring the Asantehemaa’s importance not only to the Ashanti Kingdom but also to the nation at large.
