The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has delivered a strong rejection of a proposal to include queenmothers in the formal sittings of the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs.

Addressing the final 2025 meeting of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs on Friday, December 19, 2025, the King of the Asante Kingdom kicked against the move, citing precedence and customs.

The controversy centres on proposed amendments to the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), pushed by the National House of Chiefs, led by Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II.

The proposal seeks to establish a 'Chamber of Queenmothers' and grant them seats alongside chiefs in formal sittings to promote gender equity.

However, JoyNews' Ashanti Regional Correspondent Nana Boakye Yiadom reported that the Otumfuo described the move as a dangerous overreach that threatens the unique fabric of Asante custom.

While acknowledging the "critical role" queenmothers play—particularly in the matrilineal Asante system where they hold the veto power to select a chief—Otumfuo argued that the status quo must remain.

• Customary Precedent: In Asante tradition, the queenmother (Ohemaa) is the "mother" of the stool, but the chief acts as the public voice.
• Matrilineal Distinction: Otumfuo warned against mixing patrilineal and matrilineal systems into a one-size-fits-all law.

Speaking in the Twi language at the meeting on Friday, the Asantehene stated, “We have to let Ghanaians know that traditions and customs differ across various areas. No one should create rules that bind everyone... Our tradition is that they [queenmothers] offer advice behind closed doors,” he stated. “I will not allow anyone in Ghana to change my culture."

“We respect them for selecting chiefs. All of us in this room were selected by women who are queenmothers. Our tradition is that they offer advice behind closed doors,” he explained.

The Rising Tide of Advocacy: The Queenmothers’ Case

The Asantehene’s fierce stance comes amid a growing national movement for female inclusion.

The All Regions Queenmothers Association, led by Nana Otubea II, has been advocating for representation on the Judicial Committees of the Houses of Chiefs.

They argue that it is "unfair and discriminatory" for cases involving queenmothers to be decided by all-male panels.

Their campaign has gained momentum following the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), which mandates a 30% quota for women in decision-making bodies.

Legal experts suggest that Otumfuo’s remarks set the stage for a constitutional clash between the Chieftaincy Act and Article 270 of the Constitution, which guarantees the institution of chieftaincy as established by customary law.

If the government moves forward with the amendments to Act 759, it may face a traditional rebellion from the Ashanti Region, the most influential traditional bloc in the country.

For now, the King has made his position clear: the doors of the House of Chiefs remain closed to public debate by queenmothers.