The passing of Nana Konadu Yiadom III, the 14th Asantehemaa of the Ashanti Kingdom, in the early hours of August 7, 2025, marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Asante history.
Here are five key facts about the revered queen mother whose life and reign left an indelible mark on the Asanteman.
She was born into royal lineage
Nana Konadu Yiadom III, born Nana Ama Konadu, was the first daughter of the late Asantehemaa Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II and Opanin Kofi Fofie of Besease near Atimatim in the Kwabre District. Fondly called “Nana Panin” for being the eldest child, she was also the elder sister of the current Asantehene, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II.
She succeeded her mother as queen mother
Her ascension to the Asantehemaa stool came after the passing of her mother, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, who died peacefully in her sleep on November 15, 2016, at the age of 109, after reigning for 39 years. Following tradition, Nana Konadu Yiadom III was chosen to continue the legacy of guiding and advising the Asantehene and the Asante Kingdom.
She was enstooled and outdoored in grand tradition
Nana Konadu Yiadom III was enstooled on February 6, 2017, at the age of 83, and publicly outdoored on May 6, 2017, in a ceremony that coincided with Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II’s 67th birthday at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. The event was marked by rich cultural display, symbolising her official role as mother of the Asante Kingdom.
She celebrated five years on the throne with gratitude
On February 6, 2022, the Asanteman honoured her fifth anniversary as queen mother with a thanksgiving service and durbar at the Manhyia Palace. The occasion reflected her enduring influence and commitment to upholding Asante traditions and values.
Her passing is a historic moment for the Asante Kingdom
As the 14th Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III’s reign linked generations of Asante royal leadership, bridging the long era of her mother’s rule with the modern challenges of the 21st century.
