Asanteman Council pays glowing tribute to late Asantehemaa

By Kwabia Owusu-Mensah, GNA
Kumasi, Jan 19, GNA - The Asanteman Council has eulogized the late Asantehemaa, Nana Afua Kobi Serwaah Ampem II, labeling her traditional legacy as 'enormous'.

It said she would eternally be remembered for the unparalleled service to the Asante Kingdom.

'We have lost a great asset but as the rest of the world join us in grieving and mourning, we take comfort from the legacy she bequeathed to Asanteman - the legacy of humility, of love and of service.'

The deceased was the biological mother of the reigning Asante King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Her body for four-days running laid in state at the Manhyia Palace, where thousands of mourners from across the country and beyond.

Installed in 1977, she died at the ripe age of 111, and would be buried later today at the Royal Mausoleum at Bremang.

Earlier, a burial service had been held for her, attended by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and the First Lady, Rebecca, Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the wife Samira, former Presidents Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum Kufuor.

Also present, were the Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Aaron Ocquaye, Ministers-designate, Parliamentarians, Captains of Industry and the Diplomatic Corps.

The Council said the late Queen's presence evoked the spirit of co-existence of love, peace and unity.

'She was a warm, cultured and well-mannered woman of grace and style. A courteous Queen blessed with soft-spoken wit and remarkable powers of lucid expression.'

It added that she was a simple and humble mother of compassion whose love for her children and the impartation of tradition and customs was 'pure and simple'.

The National House of Chiefs in another tribute praised her humility, courage and fairness to all manner of persons without fear or favor.

'Indeed Ghana and especially Asanteman has lost a very illustrious Queen and mother and a big vacuum has been created in the Asante Kingdom and the Asanteman Council.'

GNA