Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III, known in private life as Dora Theresa Nanah, swore the oath under the Stool Name Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III as the fourth Denkyirahemaa at Jukwa on 30th April 1993. She succeeded Nana Adwoa Saara II. Her oath was taken with the great state sword of the Denkyira Kingdom, Tiahiabua, at Ayekra Adeboe Stool House, Nkondwafieso, Jukwa.
Denkyira has undergone several restructuring phases since Nana Mumumfi subjugated Nana Otibreko Asare. After Nana Kwadwo Tibo relocated the capital of Denkyira from Abankesieso to Jukwa around 1824, Denkyira has had four queenmothers, namely: Nana Ayensua Saara I, Nana Ebum Tiaa, Nana Adwoa Saara II, and Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III.
Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III is the first Denkyirahemaa to have attained formal education. She earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in 1999. Remarkably, she pursued this academic achievement after ascending the Great Stool—demonstrating humility and vision, knowing that formal education would serve her well in leading the kingdom.
As she marks her 32nd anniversary today, it is a moment of reflection on her service and achievements. The queenmother, often considered the female version of the Bankam Dwa, is entrusted with holding the royal family together, mobilising the various mmaapanin to support their divisional chiefs, using diplomacy to guide the chiefs in defending the kingdom in the king’s absence, and overseeing the enthronement of a worthy royal to occupy the great Bankam Dwa.
Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III has served Denkyiraman with dignity and wisdom, as permitted by Tweneaduampon Kwame and Nananom. In our prayers, may we ask for divine strength and wisdom for her as she continues to seek a competent king who can unite the scattered Denkyira people across West Africa.
May she also be granted insight and favor to unite the royal families of Agona Piesie (Denkyira), Agona Manu (Akyem Kotoku), and Agona Mensah (Bodwesango) into one powerful front.
And when we pray, may we also pray for her prosperity—for without wealth, even the greatest ideas and dreams remain mere abstractions.
Long live Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III!
Long live Denkyiraman!
Long live Ghana!
