From September 14 to 18, 2025, Kumasi came to a standstill. The Ashanti royal funeral honored the late Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III with final rites known as Dote Yie.
Rooted in Ashanti tradition, the ceremonies blended sacred rituals, ancestral homage, and royal protocol. Priests, priestesses, chiefs, and dignitaries, including the President of Ghana, gathered at the Manhyia Palace. Their presence showed the enduring power of culture and the unifying role of the Asantehemaa in Ghana’s history
Who Was Nana Konadu Yiadom III?
Nana Konadu Yiadom III, the Asantehemaa, passed away on August 7, 2025. As queen mother, she was central to Ashanti governance. Her role extended far beyond ceremonial duties. She advised the Asantehene, guided chiefs, and protected the matrilineal line of succession.
In Ashanti society, inheritance and leadership pass through the mother’s bloodline. This made her office critical in selecting rulers and safeguarding stability. Nana Konadu Yiadom III embodied authority, wisdom, and cultural continuity. Her death marked the end of an era for Asanteman.
Kumasi Stilled by Tradition
During the funeral period, life in Kumasi changed dramatically. From September 14, the Manhyia Palace became the center of Ashanti tradition. Funerals across the kingdom were suspended.
On September 18, the final day, Kumasi shut down completely. Shops, schools, and banks closed. Even the vibrant Kejetia Market, normally filled with activity, stood silent. Essential workers moved only with uniforms or ID. A dusk-to-dawn curfew ensured the city observed complete solemnity.
This silence was more than mourning. It was a declaration of unity, respect, and pride in Ashanti heritage.
The Sacred Rites of Dote Yie
The highlight of the funeral was the Dote Yie, or final funeral rites. Traditional priests and priestesses led sacred rituals to honor the Asantehemaa’s spirit. They poured libation, invoked the ancestors, and performed chants to guide her journey to the ancestral world.
Drumming and dancing carried symbolic meaning. Each rhythm connected the living to the spirits of the departed. The palace grounds filled with cultural performances that reminded all of Ashanti resilience.
The rituals were more than acts of mourning. They were affirmations of continuity. Through these rites, the community honored one queen mother while preparing to uphold the stool’s authority for future generations.
Dignitaries and National Attention
The Ashanti royal funeral was not only a regional event. It drew attention from across Ghana and beyond. President John Dramani Mahama and former president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo attended, paying homage to the Asantehene and the royal family.
Regional chiefs, queen mothers, politicians, and foreign diplomats filled Kumasi during the funeral week. Their presence highlighted the influence of the Asantehemaa and the symbolic weight of Ashanti tradition.
The gathering also showed how cultural events strengthen national identity. By pausing daily life, the funeral reminded Ghanaians of the role tradition plays in unity and governance.
The Theme of the Funeral
The theme of the Ashanti royal funeral was clear: honor, continuity, and unity. Every element of the rites reflected these values.
The closure of Kumasi symbolized honor for the late queen mother. The rituals led by priests and priestesses ensured her smooth passage to the ancestral realm. The gathering of dignitaries, chiefs, and citizens expressed unity across the Ashanti kingdom and Ghana as a whole.
Together, these acts showed that tradition still shapes the rhythm of life, even in a modern nation.
Women and Authority in Ashanti Culture
The funeral also highlighted women’s authority in Ashanti governance. As queen mother, Nana Konadu Yiadom III held power equal to male rulers. She influenced decisions at the highest level and played a role in choosing the Asantehene.
Her position proved that women were not sidelined in Ashanti tradition. Instead, they were recognized as custodians of lineage and stability. The massive turnout and national respect at her funeral confirmed her authority and legacy.
Tradition in a Modern World
The Dote Yie balanced ancient custom with modern realities. Social media carried images of the funeral to global audiences. Yet, within the palace, sacred rites remained unchanged.
This blend showed Ashanti resilience. Old customs adapted to modern platforms without losing their meaning. Ghana’s progress in technology and business did not erase the authority of tradition.
The Ashanti royal funeral became a moment where past and present met, proving that heritage can guide even modern societies.