Asanteman Mourns Death of Queen Mother Nana Konadu Yiadom III Aged 98
The Asante Kingdom has entered a period of deep mourning following the death of Nana Konadu Yiadom III, the Asantehemaa and the second most powerful figure in Asanteman after the Asantehene.
Her passing was formally announced by the Oyoko Royal Family to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, during an emergency meeting of the Asanteman Traditional Council on Monday. The news was met with solemn reflection across the Kingdom, which now confronts the loss of a matriarch whose life blended tradition, service and compassion.
Born in 1927 at the Benyaade Shrine in Merdan, Kumasi, Nana Konadu Yiadom III — christened Nana Ama Konadu — was the daughter of Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, Asantehemaa from 1977 to 2016, and Opanin Kofi Fofie of Besease. She was raised from infancy by her aunt in Ashanti New Town, receiving no formal education but undergoing rigorous instruction in Asante traditions and responsibilities.
In February 2017, she became the 14th Asantehemaa, succeeding her mother and fulfilling a prophecy made in the mid-1990s. Her reign was marked by fairness in adjudicating disputes and a sustained commitment to charitable work, particularly in maternal and child health.
Notably, on her fifth anniversary as Queen Mother, she funded medical bills for all new mothers at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and the Manhyia Government District Hospital, and donated to paediatric and maternity units. She also launched a breastfeeding awareness campaign and was honoured by the Saviour Church, which named the Nana Konadu Saviour School after her.
Known for her calm but firm demeanour, she was widely respected for balancing traditional authority with social responsibility. Her death marks the end of an era for Asanteman, leaving a legacy of justice, equity and care for the vulnerable.
The Asanteman Traditional Council is expected to announce funeral arrangements in the coming days.
