The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has officially announced the selection of a new Asantehemaa, Nana Ama Bonsu, who has assumed the stool name Nana Yaa Akyaa II, to the Kumasi Traditional Council during its sitting at the Manhyia Palace.

The official announcement was met with excitement and jubilation among members of the Kumasi Traditional Council.

Following the declaration, the chiefs and queen mothers proceeded to the Asantehemaa’s Palace to pay homage and offer messages of loyalty, solidarity, and support.

Nana Yaa Akyaa II becomes the 15th Asantehemaa, succeeding the late Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

Speaking on the significance of the announcement, one of the historians at Manhyia, Francis Owusu Ansah Marfo, explained that it is customary for Otumfuo to formally introduce a newly selected Asantehemaa to the Kumasi Traditional Council before presenting her to the larger Asanteman Council.

“Traditionally, today is the right day for the Asanteman to hear the stool name of the new Asantehemaa. Now that the Kumasi Traditional Council has been officially informed of her selection, she will subsequently be introduced to the Asanteman Council. She will also be officially unveiled to the entire Asanteman during the next Akwasidae festival,” he said.

Francise Owusu Ansah Marfo further noted that Nana Yaa Akyaa II assumes the historic stool name of the ninth Asantehemaa, Nana Yaa Akyaa, who reigned from 1884 to 1917, continuing a significant lineage in the history of the Asante Kingdom.