By Nicholas Osei-Wusu
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, has accepted the nomination of a member of the Royal Family of Manhyia, Nana Ama Bonsu, as the next Asantehemaa. Otumfuo Osei Tutu’s acceptance of Nana Ama Bonsu follows her nomination and presentation to him at the Palace in Kumasi.
It is the first major step in Asante tradition toward her ascension as the 15th Asantehemaa.
A reliable source at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi who confirmed the development, told our Correspondent that, Otumfuo Osei Tutu will, in turn, present and outdoor the nominee to the Asanteman Traditional Council at its next Meeting in Kumasi later this week to conclude her enstoolment.
The nominee, Nana Ama Bonsu, is the direct granddaughter of Otumfuo Agyemang Prempeh I who, together with the legendary Nana Yaa Asantewaa, was captured and exiled by the British to the Seychelles Island during one of the British-Asante War. Nana Ama Bonsu is also a niece of Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyemang Prempeh as well as a direct biological sister to the late Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly Chief Executive, Nana Akwasi Agyemang.
The source described the new Asantehemaa-designate as a very popular choice among the Royal Family due to her affableness, extreme patience and peaceful nature. She was a businesswoman.
By Asante tradition, nominee to the seat of Asantehemaa must be an elderly women in the menopausal age.
On conclusion of the customary performances and outdooring, Nana Ama Bonsu will become the 15th Asantehemaa, succeeding the late Nana Konadu Yiadom III, who passed on in 2025.
In the hierarchy of authority in Asanteman, the Asantehemaa is a very powerful queen with the final authority in deciding who becomes the occupant of the Golden Stool or Asantehene when the position becomes vacant. The Asantehemaa also assumes the role and responsibility as the leader of all the women in the Kingdom, an advisor to the Asantehene as well as having specially assigned duties in dispute settlement especially those involving domestic conflicts like those of marriages and some curses.
