The Asante Kingdom has been enveloped in deep sorrow following the formal announcement of the passing of the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III. She transitioned at the age of 91. Her demise was officially communicated by the Oyoko Royal Family to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, during an emergency assembly of the Asanteman Traditional Council held on Monday, August 6, 2025. Family sources further pinpoint her passing to the early hours of August 7, 2025.

Born Nana Ama Konadu, the revered Queen Mother held the esteemed position of the 14th Asantehemaa, a role she ascended to in 2020, five years prior to her passing. She succeeded her late mother, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, who previously occupied the throne. Significantly, Nana Konadu Yiadom III was the biological sister of the reigning Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, underscoring her direct lineage and profound connection to the royal family.

Throughout her reign, Nana Konadu Yiadom III was celebrated for her profound wisdom, unwavering loyalty, and steadfast dedication to the time-honored traditions of Asante. She played an indispensable role in safeguarding the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, serving as a pillar of guidance and offering constant, unwavering support to her brother, the Asantehene, during his rule. Her consistent presence at the historic Manhyia Palace was widely recognized as a unifying force, embodying stability not only within the royal family but also across the entire Asanteman, where she was regarded as the second most powerful person.

The news of her passing has elicited an outpouring of tributes from across the nation. Former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia joined the Asante Kingdom and the wider nation in mourning the revered Queen Mother. In a heartfelt tribute shared on his official Facebook page, Dr Bawumia lauded her as “an enduring symbol of unity, grace, and candour.” He expressed profound sorrow, joining the Asantehene, the Asanteman Council, and the entire Asanteman in honoring her memory. Dr Bawumia warmly recounted his personal connection with the late Asantehemaa, praising her deep compassion, sage wisdom, and spiritual guidance. He concluded his tribute, acknowledging the profound loss felt by many: “We have lost a mother, not just the Queen Mother. Ohemaa Konadu Yiadom, Due. Asanteman, Damirifa Due.”

Her legacy as a central figure in traditional governance, cultural preservation, and maternal leadership within the Asanteman will undoubtedly endure, cementing her place in the annals of Asante history.