The late Nana Konadu Yiadom III, Asantehemaa
For about eight years of her reign, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, Asantehemaa, was very much aware of the challenges facing her people in the modern
situation and blended her traditional roles to address some of the current problems facing the present generation.
Her reign was marked by quiet, yet impactful service – supporting maternal and child health, advocating breastfeeding, assisting vulnerable families and providing resources to hospitals, including the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and the Manhyia government hospital, all in Kumasi.
Nana Sarfo Kantanka, a Historian at the Manhyia palace, speaking to the Ghana News Agency on some of the achievements of the late Asantehemaa, pointed out that, Nana Konadu Yiadom carried this mantle with grace, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her people.
“Her generosity lifted burdens and restored dignity to countless individuals.
She was the living embodiment of Ashanti womanhood: a custodian of tradition, a peacemaker in times of conflict, and a guiding light for both men and women in public service”, he told the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Kumasi.
He said even at nearly a century of life, Nana Konadu Yiadom’s presence commanded respect as she stood to welcome visiting monarchs and dignitaries, a testament to her enduring strength and loyalty to the Asante throne.
Nana Sarfo Kantanka explained that, as the Asante custom and traditions demanded, the Asantehemaa, occupied a position of profound significance and authority, serving as a pivotal figure within both the political and spiritual spheres of the Asante Kingdom.
She functioned as a guardian of legitimacy for successors to the throne, a custodian of traditions, and a mediator in disputes, particularly those pertaining to women.
He said in her capacity as Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom undertook essential roles in the traditional governance of the Asante Kingdom and served as a senior royal advisor to the Asantehene, as well as a custodian of the Asante Kingdom’s matrilineal royal lineage, a role traditionally linked to advising the king.
She acted as a senior royal advisor to the Asantehene, providing counsel on matters of state and tradition and ensured the proper observance of these customs and traditions in the actions of the Asantehene.
Speaking on the general authority of an Asantehemaa, Nana Sarfo Kantanka pointed out that, Asantehemaa possessed the authority to intervene in and mediate conflicts, especially those involving women or domestic affairs, and can even intercede in matters presented before the King.
Nana Konadu Yiadom, who died on August 07, 2025, at the age of 98, ruled for eight years on the stool.