Nana Ama Bonsu assumes stool name Nana Yaa Akyaa II as the 15th Asantehemaa
Nana Ama Bonsu has officially assumed the stool name Nana Yaa Akyaa II following her enstoolment as the 15th Asantehemaa of the Ashanti Kingdom.
The announcement comes after her public outdooring at the Manhyia Palace on Monday, July 6, 2026, marking the completion of key customary rites in the succession to one of the most revered traditional positions in Asanteman.
Nana Yaa Akyaa II was formally presented to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and accepted as the next Queen Mother of the Ashanti Kingdom before undergoing the traditional ceremonies required for her enstoolment.
She succeeds the late Nana Konadu Yiadom III, the 14th Asantehemaa, who passed away in August 2025 after serving on the revered stool since 2017.
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Nana Yaa Akyaa II Receives Homage at Manhyia Palace
On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Nana Yaa Akyaa II sat in state at the Manhyia Palace, where she received homage from traditional rulers, queen mothers, dignitaries, members of the public and subjects of Asanteman.
The ceremony formed part of the post-ensstoolment customary rites, with chiefs and well-wishers gathering to formally welcome the new Asantehemaa and pledge their support as she begins her reign.
Role of the Asantehemaa
The office of the Asantehemaa is one of the highest and most influential traditional institutions in the Ashanti Kingdom.
As the senior-most female traditional leader in Asanteman, the Queen Mother plays a vital role in preserving the customs, culture and traditions of the Ashanti people while serving as a key adviser to the Asantehene.
She also acts as the traditional mother of the Asantehene and provides guidance on matters affecting the kingdom.
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One of the most significant constitutional responsibilities of the Asantehemaa is nominating a successor to the Golden Stool whenever the office of the Asantehene becomes vacant, making the position central to the continuity and stability of the Ashanti monarchy.
Historic Stool Name Revived
By assuming the stool name Nana Yaa Akyaa II, the new queen mother revives a historic name previously held by Nana Yaa Akyaa I, who served as Asantehemaa from 1884 to 1917.
The adoption of the name reflects the continuity of the Ashanti Kingdom's rich traditions and royal heritage.
Following the completion of the remaining customary rites, including her formal presentation before the Asanteman Traditional Council, Nana Yaa Akyaa II will fully assume her responsibilities as the 15th Asantehemaa of the Ashanti Kingdom.
Edem Kwame
Edem Kwame is a staff journalist at GH News Media, where he covers sports, politics, and current affairs with a sharp focus on Ghanaian and African football. Known for his in-depth match analysis and timely reporting on the Black Stars, Edem brings a fan's passion and a reporter's rigor to every story he covers. His work spans breaking news, player features, and tournament coverage, including Ghana's campaigns on the continental and global stage. When he's not chasing the latest football headlines, Edem follows broader developments across Ghanaian society, bringing readers clear, well-researched journalism they can trust.
