FORMER PRESIDENT John Agyekum Kufuor was among the high profile people who conveyed their sympathies to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, over the death of his sister on Monday.
Otumfuo’s elder sister, Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III, the Asantehemaa, joined her ancestors at the age of 98 on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, in the Ashanti Regional capital.
On Monday, which was the first day of the four days set aside by Asanteman for the funeral rites of the queen, the Asante Monach dressed in mourning cloth and sat in state to receive thousands of mourners.
Former President Kufuor, who is an active participant of events in the Manhyia Palace, was once again at the Dwabirem, the venue of the solemn event, to console the Asantehene over the death of the great Queen.
Also there to offer support and comforting words to the Asantehene was Lady Julia, the wife of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who shook hands with Otumfuo and urged him to take heart even in this difficult moment.
The first day of the funeral rites also attracted a huge number of traditional leaders from Asanteman and all corners of the country and beyond, who were all clad in black, the prescribed colours for the event.
Also there were diplomatic corps, the clergy, top businessmen, government officials, politicians, and people from all walks of life, who were there ostensibly to support their overlord, the Asante King.
Significantly, the firing of muskets, which in the Asante tradition and culture, demonstrates that there is a solemn moment, dominated the skies of the funeral grounds.
The singing of dirges and drumming and dancing to traditional Asante tunes were also visible at the event grounds. The occasion was also used to showcase the rich Asante culture from the early seventeenth century.
Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III succeeded her late mother, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II in 2017 and she reigned for eight years. She will be buried at the Royal Mausoleum in Breman on Thursday night.
