From Kusi Amoa to Konadu Yiadom III: List of all Asantehemaas since the creation of the Asante Kingdom

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was officially informed of the demise of his queen mother, Asantehemaa Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III, at an emergency Asanteman Traditional Council meeting, which convened all the chiefs of the Asante Kingdom, on Monday, August 11, 2025.

Queen mothers play a key role in the governance structure of Asanteman; the Asantehemaa, in particular, is not only the queen mother of Kumasi but also the queen mother of the kingdom.

Fourteen gallant women have occupied the stool of the Asantehemaa, who plays a key role in the selection of the King of Asanteman, the Asantehene. In fact, the Asantehene and the Asantehemaa are the custodians of the Golden Stool, although the former is the occupant of the stool.

These women have assisted 16 great kings to rule the kingdom, being their chief advisers, with some serving more than two kings.

Below is a list of all the queen mothers of Asanteman since its creation

1. Nana Nyaako Kusi Amoa (1701–1722

Nana Nyaako Kusi Amoa was the first queen mother of Asanteman. She was queen mother in the 17th and 18th centuries and likely ruled from either 1695 or 1701 to 1722. 

She served as queen mother under both the first Asantehene, Opemsuo Osei Tutu I, and the second Asantehene, Opoku Ware I (Katakyie).

2. Nana Nketia Ntim Abamo (1722–1740)

Nana Nketia Ntim Abamo was the second Asantehemaa. She was made queen mother in 1722 following the death of Kusi Amoa. 

She reigned for 18 years, from 1722 to 1740. She was queen mother during the reign of Asantehene Opoku Ware I.

3. Nana Akua Afriyie (1740–1768

Nana Akua Afriyie took over from Asantehemaa Ntim Abamo in 1740 and ruled for 28 years, from 1740 to 1768.  Her reign saw two Asantehenes—Kusi Obodom and Osei Kwadwo (Oko-Awia).

4. Nana Konadu Yaadom (1768–1809)

Nana Konadu Yaadom was Asantehemaa from 1768 to 1809, reigning for 41 years. 

She was made Asantehemaa during the reign of Asantehene Osei Kwadwo and ruled under three additional kings—Osei Kwame (the 5th Asantehene), Opoku Fofie (the 6th Asantehene), and Osei Asibe Bonsu (the 7th Asantehene).

5. Nana Adoma Akosua (1809–1819)

Nana Adoma Akosua was the Asantehemaa for 10 years, from 1809 to 1819. 

She was made queen mother during the reign of Asantehene Osei Asibe Bonsu.

6. Nana Ama Serwaa I (1819–1828)

Nana Ama Serwaa I took over from Nana Adoma Akosua during the reign of Asantehene Osei Asibe Bonsu. 

She was Asantehemaa for nine years, from 1819 to 1828. Her reign also saw the enthronement of Asantehene Osei Yaw Akoto.

7. Nana Yaa Dufie (1828–1836)

Nana Yaa Dufie was Asantehemaa for eight years, from 1828 to 1836. 

She was made queen mother during the reign of Asantehene Osei Yaw Akoto and also ruled under Asantehene Kwaku Dua I.

8. Nana Afia Sapon (1836–1857)

Nana Afia Sapon took over as Asantehemaa from Nana Yaa Dufie in 1836. 

She ruled for 21 years, from 1836 to 1857.

9. Nana Afia Kobi I (1857–1883)

After Afia Sapon’s reign came Asantehemaa Nana Afia Kobi I, who was queen mother for 26 years, from 1857 to 1883. 

She ruled under three Asantehenes—Kwaku Dua I, Kofi Karikari, and Mensa Bonsu.

10. Nana Yaa Akyaa (1883–1917) 

Nana Yaa Akyaa was made queen mother in 1883 when Mensa Bonsu was the Asantehene. 

She ruled for 34 years, from 1883 to 1917, during the enthronement of Asantehene Kwaku Dua II and Asantehene Agyeman Prempeh I.

11. Nana Konadu Yiadom II (1917–1945)

Asantehemaa Konadu Yiadom II was made queen mother during the reign of Agyeman Prempeh I and reigned for 28 years, from 1917 to 1945. 

She was queen mother during the reigns of Agyeman Prempeh I and Sir Osei Agyeman Prempeh II.

12. Nana Ama Serwaa Nyaako (1945–1977) 

Nana Ama Serwaa Nyaako was made Asantehemaa during the reign of Asantehene Agyeman Prempeh II and ruled for 32 years. 

She was also the Asantehemaa when Opoku Ware II was enthroned as Asantehene.

13. Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II (1977–2016)

Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II was Asantehemaa from 1977 to 2016, a total of 39 years. 

She was made queen mother during the reign of Asantehene Opoku Ware II and ruled until Osei Tutu II was made king of Asanteman.

14. Nana Konadu Yiadom III (2016–2025)

Nana Konadu Yiadom III succeeded Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II and ruled for nine years.