Nana Okyere Kusi Aduako II, Paramount Chief of Essumegya (L) Mamponghene Daasebre Osei Bonsu II
Monarchical Historian at the Manhyia Palace, Opanin Osei-Bonsu Safo-Kantanka, has explained that in the absence of Mamponghene Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, the head of the left wing of the Ashanti Kingdom takes charge until a new chief is installed, after his demise.
He said the Paramount Chief of Essumegya, Nana Okyere Kusi Aduako II, will act in the stead of the deceased chief to perform his duties of steering affairs of the kingdom in the absence of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
“The Essumegyahene will be in charge since he is the head of the left wing of the Ashanti kingdom until a new chief is installed,” he said.
Safo-Kantanka, in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb, stated that the Ashanti Kingdom has been divided into two major groups though there are other groups, with the Mamponghene and Essumegyahene heading the right and left wings respectively.
“The Ashanti kingdom is divided into two major groups; the right headed by the Mamponghene and the left by the Essumegyahene with the Mampong in charge of more than 15 paramountcies,” he disclosed.
He said the Essumegyahene automatically steps in the role of steering affairs in the absence of the right-wing head.
Nevertheless, he said, the Adansihene, Kotwere Bonsrah Afriyie II can lead when the Essumegyahene is unavailable.
According to him, the Mamponghene’s role placed him as the second-in-command in the Ashanti traditional hierarchy, often acting on behalf of the Asantehene on key matters of custom.
His silver stool is the second most powerful stool in the hierarchy of the Ashanti Kingdom, which makes him the second in charge in the absence of Asantehene.
Daasebere Osei Bonsu, who was born on December 31, 1939, passed on at age 86 and reigned for 26 years.
Until his ascension to the throne, he was known as Saint Oswald Gyimah-Kessie, a lawyer and an economist by profession who later served as Registrar of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Known for his diplomacy, and unwavering dedication, Daasebre Osei Bonsu’s legacy spans decades of service both to his people and to Ghana’s broader chieftaincy institution.
The news of his demise was formally communicated to the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace, reflecting the deeply rooted customs and reverence accorded royals in the Asante Kingdom.
His last public appearance was during the last Akwasidae held at Mampong where he rebuked some NDC supporters for planting tribal division in their protest against the selection of an MCE for the Mampong Municipal Assembly.
VA/AE
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