Nana Ama Bonsu has officially assumed the revered stool name Nana Yaa Akyaa II, becoming the 15th Asantehemaa of the Ashanti Kingdom following the successful completion of the traditional processes required for her enstoolment.

Her assumption of office marks a significant milestone in the succession of one of Asanteman’s most revered traditional institutions and ushers in a new era of leadership following the passing of the late Nana Konadu Yiadom III in August 2025.

The transition follows her public outdooring at the Manhyia Palace on Monday, July 6, 2026, after she was nominated by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as the next Queen Mother of the Ashanti Kingdom.

Traditional endorsement

Before formally assuming the stool, Nana Yaa Akyaa II was presented to the Asantehene, who accepted her as the rightful successor to the Asantehemaa Stool.

She subsequently underwent the required customary rites associated with the enstoolment of an Asante Queen Mother, paving the way for her official installation.

On Tuesday, July 7, she sat in state at the Manhyia Palace, where chiefs, queen mothers, traditional authorities, dignitaries and hundreds of subjects of Asanteman paid homage and pledged their loyalty and support as she formally began her reign.

The ceremony formed part of the traditional succession processes observed whenever a new Asantehemaa ascends the revered stool.

Custodian of Asante tradition

The office of the Asantehemaa is regarded as one of the highest and most influential traditional institutions within the Ashanti Kingdom.

As the senior-most woman in the traditional hierarchy, the Queen Mother serves as the traditional mother of the Asantehene and plays a central role in preserving the customs, values and cultural heritage of Asanteman.

She also serves as one of the principal advisers to the Asantehene on matters affecting the kingdom.

Beyond her advisory responsibilities, the Asantehemaa occupies a pivotal constitutional role within the Asante traditional system.

One of her most important duties is the nomination of a successor to the Golden Stool whenever the office of the Asantehene becomes vacant, making her position indispensable to the continuity and stability of the Asante monarchy.

Historic succession

Nana Yaa Akyaa II succeeds the late Nana Konadu Yiadom III, who served as the 14th Asantehemaa from 2017 until her passing in August 2025.

Her accession also revives the historic stool name Nana Yaa Akyaa, last borne by Nana Yaa Akyaa I, who occupied the Asantehemaa Stool from 1884 to 1917.

By adopting the name Nana Yaa Akyaa II, the new Queen Mother joins a distinguished lineage of women who have shaped the history, governance and cultural identity of the Ashanti Kingdom for generations.

Experienced educationist

Before her enstoolment, Nana Yaa Akyaa II, known in private life as Nana Ama Bonsu, built a distinguished career as an educationist.

An octogenarian, she is widely respected for her years of service in the education sector and now brings that wealth of experience to one of Ghana’s most influential traditional leadership positions.

She was formally nominated by the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace on Monday, July 6, 2026, in accordance with Asante custom.

Remaining customary rites

Although she has officially assumed the stool name and begun receiving homage, the traditional succession process will continue with her formal presentation before the Asanteman Traditional Council at Dwabrem in the Manhyia Palace.

The remaining customary rites will complete her installation and fully empower her to discharge all the responsibilities of the Asantehemaa.

With her reign now underway, Nana Yaa Akyaa II assumes responsibility for safeguarding the traditions of Asanteman, mentoring future generations of traditional leaders and working alongside the Asantehene to promote peace, unity and development across the Ashanti Kingdom.