The Manhyia Palace in Kumasi became the epicenter of mourning and cultural display as Asanteman commemorates the demise of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
The “Dote Yie” rites for the esteemed Queenmother attracted thousands, with culture, legacy, and tradition at the core of the somber occasion.
Sunday marked the commencement of rites in the Ashanti Kingdom as the mortal remains of the late Asantehemaa were laid in state.
On Monday, September 15, 2025, churches, clergy, political parties, NGOs, educational institutions, telecommunications firms, and the general public paid their final respects as they passed by her body.
The atmosphere within the palace was quite solemn as traditional leaders and mourners clad in scarlet and black gathered to pay their respects to the Queenmother, who was revered as the matriarch of Asanteman until her death.
The emotional gravity of the occasion was evident in the expressions of the mourners gathered at the Palace grounds.
Cultural and traditional aspects were integral part of the rites. The mourning was marked by gunshots, drumming, dancing, and spiritual rituals conducted by fetish priests, highlighting the deep-rooted traditions of the Ashanti Kingdom.
These symbolic displays conveyed both sorrow and respect for the deceased Asantehemaa.
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II received tributes from chiefs, dignitaries, and ordinary citizens who had come to express their condolences and share in his grief under his auspices. During this time of grief, this customary gesture shows respect for the King and unity among the Asanteman people.
Kumasi, once vibrant with bustle, has significantly slowed down, reflecting a somber ambiance.
Despite the official expectation that schools, businesses, and banks would shut on Thursday to commemorate the event, residents have shown their sadness in various ways. The impacts of the “Dote Yie” are already being felt.
A lot of mourners described the late Asantehemaa as a maternal figure whose guidance and presence will be forever felt. For some, passing by her body constitutes not just a traditional obligation but also a personal tribute to a revered leader.
The rites are expected to continue in the coming days, culminating in a last farewell that will merge solemnity with the magnificence of Ashanti tradition, highlighting the pivotal position of the Asantehemaa in the cultural and spiritual fabric of the Kingdom.
