‘Don’t exchange Mampong stool for money’ – Otumfuo warns queen mother and elders

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has issued a firm directive to the kingmakers of the Asante Mampong traditional area regarding the process for selecting the next Asante Mamponghene.

Addressing the Asanteman Council on Monday, July 28, 2025, Otumfuo outlined a clear set of guidelines to govern the enstoolment process following the passing of the late Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, in May 2025.

According to the Asantehene, once the Mamponghemaa (paramount queen mother) and the traditional kingmakers agree on a nominee for the stool, the candidate’s name must be submitted to a special committee of chiefs he has constituted to vet the selection.

The committee is made up of the Akuamuhene, Adontenhene, Ankobiahene, and the Paramount Chief of Nifa-Afigyase.

Otumfuo explained that the role of the committee is to verify the legitimacy of the nominee and ensure that the candidate is fit to occupy the revered Mampong Silver Stool. If the committee raises no objections after reviewing the nomination, the candidate will be confirmed as the new Asante Mamponghene.

“If you choose a candidate, inform the Adontenhene first. He will then notify the other members of the committee. You are simply to present the name to them,” Otumfuo directed. “Should any member of the committee wish to meet the candidate in person, they will request that he be brought before them.”

“They will deliberate on the legitimacy of the nominee, and if no concerns arise, he will be enstooled,” he added.

Otumfuo also issued a stern warning against any form of corruption or manipulation in the selection process. “You, the elders, have no right to take money from any royal in exchange for the stool. Nobody has that power,” he cautioned.

The Mampong stool became vacant after the death of Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, who ruled for 28 years and once served as regent of the Asante Kingdom. The Mamponghene holds the second most powerful position in the Asante hierarchy, presiding over the prestigious silver stool of Asanteman.