Ghanaians mourn powerful queen mother of the Ashanti Kingdom

Traditional chiefs of the Ashanti kingdom of Ghana and thousands of sympathizers converged to mark one week celebration of the passing of the queen mother of the Ashantis.

Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, who died last week at 111 years was celebrated in an event that had Ghana’s most important persons including its President and former presidents in attendance.

There was rich display of culture as the overlord Otumfuo Osei Tutu, rode to the event grounds in a palanquin in the company of attendants. Nana Afia Kobi, was the 13th Ashanti Queen and reigned for 39 years.

“According to our tradition, she is the chief counsellor. If Otumfuo has any problem, he has to go and see her first before he can take a decision. So she acts as a chief counsellor for the Ashanti kingdom.

“We know that our King, you know, he always does what is best for us. So he’s going to give us a wonderful Queen. That is all we are looking for,“Bantama Chief, Nana Baffuor Owusu Amankwatia, said.

In keeping to tradition of the Ashanti Kingdom, there is an ongoing ban on noise-making until when she is finally laid to rest.