Meet the traditional sisters of the Asantehemaa

The new Asantehemaa, Nana Yaa Akyaa II, has been enstooled as the 15th Queen Mother of Asanteman.

Like every traditional ruler, she will be supported by trusted officials who play key roles in assisting her with leadership, governance and decision-making.

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In that regard, two prominent queen mothers play key supporting roles to the Asantehemaa.

They are regarded as the "traditional sisters" of the Asantehemaa and serve as some of her closest advisers, assisting her in the discharge of her responsibilities.

According to Asante Nation, the two queen mothers who stand beside the Asantehemaa are Osagyefo Kissiwaa Mmua Baayie II, Kokofuhemaa, and Nana Yaa Mmua Baayie II, Kwabre Kenyasihemaa.

They all occupy unique and significant positions within the Royal House of Asanteman.

Among the key responsibilities of these queen mothers are their ceremonial duties within the Asante Kingdom.

By long-standing Asante custom, the Kokofuhemaa and the Kwabre Kenyasihemaa occupy important positions in the ceremonial affairs of the Asantehemaa.

Whenever the Asantehemaa makes a grand entrance at a durbar or other traditional event, the two queen mothers customarily lead her procession and remain by her side throughout the ceremony.

Their presence is considered an important part of the Asantehemaa's public appearances, making it uncommon for her to sit in state or participate in major traditional events without them.

This was evident during the Kuntunkuni Durbar, the Ahemaa Durbar and the Akwasidae Kesie celebrations, where both queen mothers performed their customary roles.

Beyond their ceremonial duties, the two queen mothers also hold important constitutional roles within the Asante traditional system.

In the event of the passing of an Asantehemaa, the Kokofuhemaa serves as the Regent of the Asantehemaa Stool, while the Kwabre Kenyasihemaa takes up the regency of the Kumasihemaa Stool.

This is because the Asantehemaa simultaneously serves as the Kumasihemaa, making the two queen mothers central to maintaining the continuity and administration of these stools until new arrangements are made.

This explains why, during the funeral rites (Doteyie) of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, both the Kokofuhemaa and the Kwabre Kenyasihemaa were carried in seko to the funeral grounds.

The rare honor reflected the special bond between them and the late Asantehemaa, who was regarded as their elder sister within the traditional structure.

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As tradition says, “Wɔmo te ayikɛtɛ so.”

This explains why, during the funeral rites (Doteyie) of the late Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III, both Kokofuhemaa and Kwabre Kenyasihemaa were carried in seko to the funeral grounds, a rare honor signifying that it was their own elder sister who had passed. As tradition says, “Wɔmo te ayikɛtɛ so.”

The Traditional Sisters of the Asantehemaa 👑

Standing beside Her Majesty Asantehemaa Nana Yaa Akyaa II are two distinguished queen mothers who occupy unique positions within the Royal House of Asanteman:

•Osagyefo Kissiwaa Mmua Baayie II, Kokofuhemaa (Right)

•Nana Yaa Mmua… pic.twitter.com/0a7p3UGRvy

— The Asante Nation (@Asante_nation) July 9, 2026

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