The Paramount Chief of the Aflao Traditional Area and President of the Forum of Kings and Traditional Leaders of Africa, Torgbi Amenya Fiti V, recently paid a solemn visit to the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi to honour the memory of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III. He arrived with an entourage of more than 200 people, a striking demonstration of respect and solidarity from traditional leaders across the continent.
His visit coincided with the third day of the final burial rites, where he joined the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in mourning the queen mother’s passing. Nana Konadu Yiadom III was more than a royal matriarch; she embodied the cultural heritage and continuity of the Asante Kingdom.
The moment carried significance beyond the Asante realm. Under Torgbi Amenya Fiti V’s leadership, the Forum of Kings and Traditional Leaders of Africa is working to unite royal institutions from across the continent. The Forum is expected to rally chiefs to celebrate the life and legacy of the late queen, highlighting the enduring relevance of traditional authority as a custodian of heritage and unity.
This act of solidarity also reflects Torgbi Amenya Fiti V’s growing role on the continental stage. His induction as President of the Forum, held in Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo, marked a milestone in his leadership journey. By leading such a large delegation to Kumasi, he underscored the bonds between Africa’s traditional leaders and their commitment to honouring figures of immense cultural importance.
The gathering at Manhyia Palace was therefore more than a funeral rite. It was a continental statement: that traditional leaders remain vital pillars of unity, guardians of heritage, and voices of solidarity across Africa.
Story: Lawal Mohammed
