Juaben Queen Mother Passes On

The paramount queen mother of the Juaben Traditional Council, Nana Akosua Akyamaa III has passed away, the Council has communicated.

She died on September 10, 2023, however, it has been announced almost a month later.

She was 97 years and reigned almost 30 years on the stool after succeeding her mother, Nana Akosua Akyamaa II, in November, 1994.

Religious Life
At a press conference on Monday, October 9, Nana Owusu Yentumi Akyempem, the Juaben Gyaasehene said she dedicated her entire life to service to God, the Juaben state and the Asante Kingdom.

As a fervent Methodist, she was said to be deeply involved in the Church’s activities and provided material support to the Church Groups such as Girls’ Brigade, Christ Little Band and Women’s Fellowship.

In acknowledgement of her deeds, the Clergy at the Wesley Cathedral at Adum in Kumasi reserved a special seat for her in the front row.

Additionally, she institutionalised an Annual Thanksgiving Service in Juaben during which all the religious faiths and the Oman joined to offer thanks to the Almighty.

Advocacy Against Teenage Pregnancy
Nana Akyamaa was known for her advocacy against teenage pregnancy in the Juaben township, a passion that compelled her to reintroduce puberty rite in a re-modified manner to suit the current age.

In conjunction with that, she regularly brought together the teenage girls to be given lessons in personal hygiene and reproductive health by health professionals. The goodies that the attendees took away ensured maximum patronage at all times.

Peace
She was also known as an emblem of peace in the town.

“She played her traditional role as Councilor to the Omanhene and Elders very effectively. The peace the Traditional Council enjoyed during her tenure attest to her skills at statesmanship and diplomacy. Her diplomatic skills were tested seriously just four years into her reign when in 1999 the Asantehene Otumfuo Opoku Ware Il Ware died.

“Her services to Asanteman reached a defining moment during the Coronation of Otumfuo Osei Tutu Il as Asantehene. The steadfast support and counsel she gave the Asantehemaa were acknowledged in a citation captioned “HONOUR OF RECOGNITION BY OTUMFUO OSEI TUTU II” on the Anniversary of his enthronement,” Nana Owusu Yentumi Akyempem told the press.

Mourning
The Juaben state has been thrown into mourning following the announcement.

The funeral arrangements, however, was not disclosed as it is yet to be scheduled.