Ghana and the Asante Kingdom are deeply mourning the passing of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, who transitioned at the distinguished age of 98. Her funeral rites, known as 'Dote Yie', have brought together a diverse cross-section of Ghanaian society at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, all paying their last respects to a revered Queen Mother whose legacy is described as enduring for generations.

President John Dramani Mahama led the nation in tribute, delivered on his behalf by Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene. President Mahama described Nana Konadu Yiadom III as “an inspiration and a worthy role model to Ghanaian women,” a “majestic pillar of strength and inspiration” not only to Asanteman but to the entire nation. He praised her eight-year reign for preserving the values and traditions of the Asante Kingdom, consistently projecting an image of dignity and peace. The President also recalled benefiting immensely from her “wise counsel and astute guidance” during his visits to her palace. Furthermore, he shared that his wife, Lordina, often spoke of the “warmth and maternal embrace” she experienced, a testament to the Asantehemaa’s profound influence and generous hospitality. President Mahama concluded by acknowledging the deep void left by her passing, emphasizing her full, purposeful, and impactful life that would motivate future generations.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, offered profound and emotional tributes, describing Nana Konadu Yiadom III as both the spiritual mother of Asanteman and one of his greatest pillars of strength. In a tribute read by business leader Dr. Sam Jonah, the Asantehene expressed the deep emptiness her passing, as his elder sister, had left in his heart and in the soul of Asanteman. He emphasized her role as more than a queen in title, noting her calm and measured presence held together the family, lineage, and traditions of the Ashanti Kingdom. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II fondly recalled her guidance before his ascension to the Golden Stool, preparing him for leadership in ways he only fully understood later.

In another glowing tribute, also read by Sir Sam Jonah, the Asantehene further elaborated on Nana Konadu Yiadom III’s reign, defining it by dignity, humility, and selfless service. He lauded her ability to embody the true meaning of leadership, balancing majesty with profound compassion. “She sat in majesty, yet never placed herself above her people. She was the voice of the woman in the market, the comfort of widows, the guardian of orphans, and the reconciler of families in dispute,” the Asantehene stated. He highlighted her court as a place of patience, wisdom, and care, asserting that her private life revealed the tenderness of a mother, and that her leadership was defined by care and compassion, not command or domination. The Asantehene underscored the spiritual and cultural significance of the bond between the Asantehemaa and Asantehene, a cornerstone of Ashanti governance, noting that this bond was uniquely strengthened during his reign by the fact that the Queen Mother was his senior sister. He declared, “Together, we carried the weight of Asanteman—two shoes, two rows, yet one heart for our people.”

The 'Dote Yie' funeral rites continued solemnly at the Manhyia Palace, with Wednesday, September 17, marking the third day of ceremonies. Dignitaries from across Ghana, including delegations from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC), members of the business community, the National House of Chiefs, the Ga Mantse delegation, the Aflao delegation from the Volta Region, and the Chief Justice leading the judiciary, all arrived to offer tributes and pay their respects. The Asantehene, clad in Kuntukuni—a rare mourning cloth symbolizing strength and solemnity—sat in state, setting a somber tone for the day. The palace courtyard was alive with traditional rituals, drumming, and cultural performances, showcasing the rich Asante heritage. Paramount chiefs have been consistently arriving daily since the start of the rites to honor the late Queen Mother. The final funeral rites are scheduled to conclude on Thursday, September 18, uniting Asanteman and the nation in a collective tribute to the memory of Nana Konadu Yiadom III, the spiritual and cultural mother of the Asante Kingdom.