Africa-Press – Eswatini. Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla has expressed admiration for the Ashanti people of Ghana for their remarkable generosity and adherence to tradition during the funeral of Ashanti Queen Mother (Asantehemaa) Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, September 21, 2025, upon her return to Eswatini, Dladla praised the Ashanti custom of donating to those in mourning, noting that it stands in stark contrast to modern practices where grieving families are often expected to provide for guests. She observed that Ashanti nationals brought an array of gifts, including food and other essentials, to support King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II during his time of loss.
Dladla highlighted that the Ashanti authorities warmly received the Eswatini delegation, which was sent by His Majesty King Mswati III to represent the nation. “King Otumfuo expressed his gratitude for the messages of condolences from Their Majesties and all Emaswati. Our delegation was given special treatment and truly felt at home,” Dladla said.
The DPM arrived at Kumasi Airport on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, after departing Eswatini the previous day. The delegation included Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, Prince Phuhlaphi, and Chief Ndzabankhulu Simelane. They were welcomed by Eswatini Ambassador to Ghana Sithembiso Gama and Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori Ayman Bowadi.
Dladla and her team participated in the four-day ‘Dote Yie’ traditional burial rites, which ran from Monday, September 15, to Thursday, September 18, 2025. The programme included evening funeral services from Monday to Wednesday and formal condolences to King Otumfuo.
According to reports from Ghanaian media, public viewing of the late Queen Mother’s remains at Manhyia Palace was scheduled from 5am to 5pm, with the final day ending at 11am to allow for burial. Various groups—including political parties, educational institutions, associations, religious organisations, and members of the public—filed past to pay their respects.
In line with Asante tradition, women were required to refrain from wearing jewellery, earrings, headgear, or flip-flops, while men had to remove their sandals. The ceremony featured performances by traditional priests and priestesses and was supported by comprehensive security, protocol, and medical arrangements. Vehicular movement near the palace was restricted, with buses provided to transport mourners efficiently.
On the final day, prominent figures—including former Presidents, the sitting President John Dramani Mahama and appointees, the former Vice President, Chief Justice and judiciary members, Speaker, and MPs—paid homage as Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II sat in state. The Queen Mother’s remains were interred at the Breman Royal Mausoleum at midnight.
Schools and businesses in Kumasi were asked to close in honour of the 14th Asantehemaa, who reigned for eight years, succeeding her mother, the late Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem, who passed away in November 2016.
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