The Asante Kingdom has entered a new chapter following the selection of Nana Ama Bonsu as the 15th Asantehemaa (Queen Mother). Her nomination by the Manhyia Royal Family has been accepted by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, marking the beginning of the customary process leading to her enstoolment.
Nana Ama Bonsu succeeds the late Nana Konadu Yiadom III, who passed away in 2025 after serving as the 14th Asantehemaa. She is expected to be formally presented to the Asanteman Traditional Council before the final customary rites are performed.
The new Asantehemaa comes from the distinguished Manhyia Royal Family. She is a granddaughter of Otumfuo Agyeman Prempeh I, the Asantehene who was exiled to the Seychelles by the British during the Anglo-Asante wars. She is also the sister of the late Nana Akwasi Agyemang, a former Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive.
Described as a respected businesswoman, Nana Ama Bonsu is widely admired within the royal family for her humility, patience and calm disposition—qualities regarded as essential for the role of Asantehemaa.
Asante tradition assigns the Queen Mother a significant role in the governance of the kingdom. Beyond serving as a key adviser to the Asantehene, the Asantehemaa plays an important part in preserving customs, resolving disputes, championing the welfare of women and children, and participating in the selection of a future Asantehene when the Golden Stool becomes vacant.
Her nomination has been welcomed by many across Asanteman, with the appointment seen as the beginning of a new era in the traditional leadership of the Asante Kingdom.