… oms, and strengthen the institution of chieftaincy.” Otumfuo responds Responding on behalf of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asante Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu III, described the Yagbonwura’s visit as historic and said it had exceeded the expectations of Asanteman …
… They recounted that historically the Sekyere-Kumawu area was known for its rich diversity of wildlife, which contributed to the appointment of the district’s hunting chief as the official hunting leader for the Asante Kingdom. …
… A section of participants at the awards ceremony According to him, the restitution campaign by the Asante Kingdom has entered a new phase following discussions with institutions including the Wallace Collection over looted Asante artefacts. …
… Speaking at the Ghana Business Leaders Conclave held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on Friday, May 15, the revered traditional ruler drew parallels between conflict resolution within the Asante Kingdom and the challenges confronting modern businesses and …
… He further expressed appreciation to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the chiefs and people of Dedesua and Asanteman for welcoming the project, while assuring residents that SHC would engage the community throughout the development process. …
… The Asantehene also stressed that he does not rely on government in handling traditional and chieftaincy matters, explaining that his decisions are guided by the customs, traditions and established practices of the Asante Kingdom. …
… Present at the anniversary ceremony together with His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lIl, the queen expressed admiration towards Otumfuo, applauding him for upholding the rich culture of Asanteman. …
Nana Ama Bonsu has been enstooled as the 15th Asantehemaa of the Asante Kingdom and assumed the stool name Nana Yaa Akyaa II on July 6, 2026, succeeding the late Nana Konadu Yiadom III. As Queen Mother, the highest-ranking woman in Asanteman, she will serve as an adviser to the Asantehene and has constitutional responsibility for nominating a successor to the Golden Stool when the office becomes vacant.
Why it matters
Enstoolment of 15th Asantehemaa marks significant cultural milestone and constitutional succession event in Ghana's largest kingdom.
Nana Ama Bonsu has been enstooled as the 15th Asantehemaa of the Asante Kingdom and assumed the stool name Nana Yaa Akyaa II on July 6, 2026, succeeding the late Nana Konadu Yiadom III. As Queen Mother, the highest-ranking woman in Asanteman, she will serve as an adviser to the Asantehene and has constitutional responsibility for nominating a successor to the Golden Stool when the office becomes vacant.
The Yagbonwura of the Gonja Kingdom has called for stronger collaboration with the Asante Kingdom, saying their ancient relationship should be deepened to promote peace, preserve culture, and improve community welfare. He also urged traditional leaders across Ghana to demonstrate the relevance of the chieftaincy institution.
Dr. Dickson Adom is leading an initiative to transform wildlife conservation education in Ghana's basic schools by developing an indigenous knowledge-inspired pedagogical model, addressing concerns that wildlife education has been overly dependent on Western scientific perspectives and overlooking local ecosystems and cultural heritage.
Access Bank Ghana's management visited Manhyia Palace in Kumasi to introduce its Managing Director, Pearl Nkrumah, to the Asantehene. The bank plans to expand in Kumasi and invest in infrastructure, education, agriculture and industry to support development in the region.
The Manhyia Palace Museum has launched international partnerships with museums and cultural agencies across Africa and Europe to preserve Asante history. The museum is pursuing restitution of looted Asante artefacts from institutions including the Wallace Collection, with an exhibition "Encountering Gold – Asante and the Wallace Collection" scheduled to open in London in 2027, and the first batch of artefacts expected to return to Ghana next year.
At the Ghana Business Leaders Conclave held at UPSA on Friday, May 15, the Asantehene stressed that sustainable business success requires integrity, fairness, and ethical leadership at the centre of corporate governance. Drawing on his experience resolving disputes within the Asante Kingdom and extending that to national peace-building, he told participants that every conflict has a solution if men apply reason, fairness, patience, perseverance, and respect for truth and honour.
The Managing Director of the State Housing Company has called for private sector support to help tackle Ghana's estimated housing deficit of 1.8 million units, saying collaboration would reduce construction costs and improve affordability. The company plans to complete about 300 housing units in Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi before year-end and is undertaking urban redevelopment projects in Kaneshie, Adenta, Effiakuma and Kanda.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has stated that the National House of Chiefs has no authority to install chiefs, with such powers belonging exclusively to traditional councils. He cautioned against politicising chieftaincy elections and called on Parliament to clarify the specific roles of various Houses of Chiefs in matters of enstoolment and recognition.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II turned 76 on May 6, 2026, observing the day with traditional soul consecration at Manhyia Palace rather than public celebration. A public event to mark the milestone has been scheduled for May 10, 2026.
The Queen of Warri Kingdom, Ivie Atuwatse III, attended the 27th Coronation Anniversary of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at Manhyia Palace, where she praised his leadership and cultural preservation. Ogiame Atuwatse III also received the Pillar of Peace Award for his commitment to unity and cultural preservation.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II marked the 27th anniversary of his enstoolment on the Golden Stool by honouring national leaders and prominent figures for their contributions to peace and stability. President John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Akufo-Addo were among awardees presented with commemorative gold coins for their roles in peacebuilding and national development.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the 16th Asantehene, will mark 27 years on the Golden Stool on April 26, 2026, with a grand durbar at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi coinciding with an Akwasidae festival. He was enstooled on April 26, 1999, succeeding his brother Otumfuo Opoku Ware II after a 29-year reign.