The Asante Kingdom is in mourning following the death of its Queen Mother, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, who passed away at age 91 on the morning of August 7, 2025. Her family formally informed the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, during a traditional council meeting held on August 6, 2025.
Born Nana Ama Konadu in 1927 in Kwadaso near Kumasi, she was the first daughter of Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II and Opanin Kofi Fofie . Known affectionately as “Nana Panin,” she never had formal schooling but received rich cultural and informal education. Raised by her aunt from early childhood, she underwent traditional initiation rites and later married Opanin Kwame Boateng, a blacksmith from Aduman.
Nana Konadu Yiadom III ascended to the position of the 14th Asantehemaa on February 6, 2017, following the death of her mother in November 2016 after a reign of 39 years. Her public introduction (outdooring) was marked by a ceremony at Manhyia Palace on May 6, 2017, that coincided with her brother’s 67th birthday.
During her years as Queen Mother, she earned deep respect for her strong counsel, loyalty to tradition, and dedication to cultural heritage. She was widely praised for her stabilizing presence at Manhyia Palace, her guidance of Asanteman, and her role in safeguarding the customs and identity of the Ashanti people.
Her leadership was celebrated through various milestones. On February 6, 2022, Asanteman held a grand durbar at the palace to mark her fifth anniversary, drawing chiefs, public officials, and dignitaries, and earning high praise for her wisdom and unity leadership.
On February 6, 2025, she marked eight years on the Golden Stool, with traditional rites and thanksgiving services attended by prominent royals and queen mothers across Asanteman.
Asantehemaa was a vital figure in the Asante political system. She advised the Asantehene, guided matters affecting women and children, oversaw the legitimacy of royal succession, and upheld customs through rituals and conflict resolution sessions.
In an emergency council meeting today, the Asantehene announced a one-week observance period to honour her memory, beginning Thursday, August 21, 2025 .
