Nana Ama Bonsu, a member of the Manhyia Royal Family, has been named as the next Asantehemaa, marking the first formal step toward her installation as the 15th Queen Mother of Asanteman.
The new Asantehemaa was officially presented to the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Monday, July 6, 2026, following her nomination by the royal family.
The Asantehene is expected to formally present the nominee to the Asanteman Traditional Council at its next meeting later this week, where the customary rites required to complete her enstoolment will be performed.
Upon completion of the traditional processes, Nana Ama Bonsu will succeed the late Nana Konadu Yiadom III, who died in August 2025.
Nana Ama Bonsu is the granddaughter of Otumfuo Agyeman Prempeh I, who, together with the renowned Queen Mother Nana Yaa Asantewaa, was captured and exiled to the Seychelles by the British during the Anglo-Asante conflicts.
She is also a niece of Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyeman Prempeh II and the biological sister of the late former Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Nana Akwasi Agyemang.
The nominee’s nomination has been widely welcomed within the royal family because of her humility, patience and conciliatory nature. Before her nomination, she was engaged in private business.
In keeping with Asante custom, candidates for the position of Asantehemaa are traditionally selected from elderly women of the royal lineage who have reached menopause.
The Asantehemaa occupies one of the most influential positions within the Asante Kingdom. Beyond serving as the leader of women in Asanteman and a principal adviser to the Asantehene, the Queen Mother plays a decisive constitutional role in the selection of a new Asantehene whenever the Golden Stool becomes vacant.
She also performs important judicial and customary functions, particularly in the mediation of family and marital disputes and other matters governed by customary law.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
