President John Dramani Mahama, accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, joined scores of dignitaries in Kumasi for the funeral rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III.
The solemn ceremony also witnessed the presence of former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, underscoring the national significance of the event.
Thousands of mourners from across Ghana and beyond thronged the Manhyia Palace to pay their last respects. Among them were the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, chiefs, ministers of state, Members of Parliament, former legislators, business leaders, and ordinary citizens.
They gathered to commiserate with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, following the passing of the revered Queen Mother.
The Ashanti regional capital assumed an unusually quiet atmosphere as shops and markets closed in line with directives banning commercial activity during the funeral period. Officials explained that the restrictions were intended to preserve the solemnity of the occasion and allow the city to fully honor the late Asantehemaa.
Meanwhile, security was tightened across Kumasi to ensure order as thousands continued to file past to bid farewell to the Queen Mother.
