Black Day in Ghana as President and Entire Country Mourn the Powerful Queen Mother of Asante Kingdom

BOBOJAY November 25, 2016 0

Former Ghana’s President, John Agyekum Kufuor (right), Esama of Bening and others attends the burial ceremony of

Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, the 13th queen mother of the Asante Kingdom on November 24, 2016 in Kumasi. (Photo: AFP)

Dressed entirely in black, Tina Owusu Panin joined thousands making their way to a Ghanaian palace to mourn their “mother” — the revered queen of the powerful Ashanti kingdom.

 

Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II died on Monday last week at the venerable age of 111, plunging the West African nation into grief.

 

Built on the wealth of gold reserves, the Ashanti empire was the richest in Ghana. At its peak it even extended into neighbouring countries.

 

The empire has wielded power in the region for over 300 years and put up fierce resistance to British colonial rule.

 

The Ashanti people trace their lineage through the female line, so the Asantehene, or Ashanti king, is appointed by the queen. Tradition dictates she has to choose a male relative.

 

“A very important person has died,” 47-year-old Panin said, speaking at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the Ashanti capital in central Ghana.

 

“Our mother, our mentor. She is all to us and all for us. She is Asantehene’s mother so we have to come,” Panin said, watching dancers deftly move their hips to traditional drums.

 

The mourners spurned the traditional colourful “kente” cloth for all-black outfits — either toga-like traditional garments or T-shirts and trousers.

 

King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is the deceased queen’s biological son.

 

Although the queen died last Monday, her death was not officially announced until Thursday, in-keeping with tradition.

 

Mourners included traditional chiefs as well as President John Dramani Mahama and opposition presidential candidate, Nana Addo Akufo-Addo, who took time out of their campaigns to visit the king.

 

The Ashanti king was carried into the grounds on a throne by court attendants, shaded from the blazing sun by an umbrella held above his head, higher than all the other parasols in deference to his status.

 

Former presidents; Jerry Rawlings and John Kufuor alo attended the ceremony.

 

Credits: The Guardian / AFP

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