NewzI have always been exceptionally excited about female traditional leaders in our traditional set-up. To me, they embody the model of all-round excellence entrusted naturally to women. As a woman and girls advocate with a bias towards the advancement of women in every sphere, I have keenly observed and admired the role of queen mothers as a respected function needed to help develop and transform a community.
They sanitise the air with an aroma of peace, reconciliation and tranquillity. Chiefs and elders of a community tap into the wisdom of queen mothers, knowing they command the power of influence. The news at the beginning of July this year, on the installation of a new queen mother for the Ashanti kingdom, tickled my excitement beyond reasonable doubt.
It has been almost a year now since the last Asantehemaa, affable and approachable Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III, left to join her ancestors. I have since been looking forward to her successor, keen to know which of the Manhyia family lineage she would emerge from. Official outdooring Then I heard about Nana Ama Bonsu’s official outdooring by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia palace in Kumasi.
The stool name conferred on her, Nana Yaa Akyaa II, bonds with me as she carries my Ashanti name, Akyaa. According to the records, she is the 15th in line to the position The beauty of the rich Ashanti history that characterised the queen mother’s official unveiling was followed to the letter as per the centuries-old Ashanti customs and traditions. It is a process signalling the commencement of her reign.
The task ahead of her may not be easy, but there is everything to show that she has the right demeanour and potential to rise to the task. As Asantehemaa, Nana Yaa Akyaa II has become the new spiritual and cultural mother of the people of Ashanti, a position considered one of the highest traditional institutions in the country. Her role, apparently, includes being the principal traditional adviser to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
History has been made as a new Asantehemaa has been unveiled to the Asanteman and the general public. It is a joy to watch videos of Ashanti queen mothers, wives of Nananom and many other well-wishers taking turns at Manhyia to congratulate and welcome Nana Asantehemaa to the revered stool. The respect and cordiality are in order.
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