The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has taken a temporary break from all official duties, effective Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
In line with the decision, the Monarch of the Asante Kingdom departed the country Tuesday morning for South Africa for a short stay and is expected to continue to the United Kingdom thereafter.
During his absence, administrative responsibilities in Kumasi have been delegated to Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI, the Bantamahene. Oversight of broader Asanteman affairs has been entrusted to Nana Dwamena Akenten II, the Offinsohene.
Sources at the Manhyia Palace indicate that upon his return, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is expected to announce the appointment of a new Queen Mother (Asantehemaa) for the Asante Kingdom which will subsequent lead to the organization of the final funeral right of the late Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III .
Nana Kunadu Yiadom was born in 1927 and died in 2025 . She was the 14th Asantehemaa (Queen Mother) of the Ashanti Kingdom, reigning from 6 February 2017 until her passing on 7 August 2025 at age 98.
No official date has been communicated for the Asantehene’s return.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
