Asantehene Gives Nod for Selection of Praasohene
The Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has given the green light for the selection of a successor chief at Praaso.
The approval was granted on August 3, 2026, when the parties in the dispute appeared before the Kumasi Traditional Council, following the resolution of the case last week.
“Go and choose a nominee for the stool and come present him to me.”
Otumfuo reiterated that the Baapanin of Praaso, Nana Kusiwaa Mansah II, remains in office and must be kept informed about the process.
“Don’t bypass the Baapanin in anything. Let her know how the process is going,” he directed.
Background
The Asantehene officially confirmed that the Baapanin is not of royal lineage, ending a dispute between her and the family head, Opanin Kwaku Mensah, during a KTC meeting on July 30, 2026.
Otumfuo revealed that Nana Kusiwaa Mansah II was only considered for the stool after five consecutive royal women abdicated due to ill health.
He noted that the issue first surfaced during the era of the late Nkonsonhene, who brought the case forward.
Otumfuo stated he had urged the late Nkonsonhene to abandon the matter, hoping the Baapanin would agree to appoint a genuine member of the royal family to the male stool.
“When I heard she had invoked the oath, I was surprised. She shouldn’t have done that,” Otumfuo added.
Despite confirming that she is not of royal blood, Otumfuo decided to temper justice with mercy, sparing her from destoolment in recognition of her diligent service on the stool.
His Majesty urged Abuasuapanin Kwaku Mensah to allow her to remain in her position. However, His Majesty decreed that upon her passing, the stool will officially revert to the royal lineage.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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