The town of Mampong in the Ashanti Region of Ghana recently hosted a grand three-day funeral celebration for its beloved chief, drawing dignitaries and celebrities from across the nation. The solemn occasion brought together the King of the Ashanti tribe, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, former Presidents, the current President, ministers, and other high-profile figures to pay their respects to the departed leader.
The final funeral rites of the late Mamaponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, the occupant of the revered Silver Stool, started on Saturday, June 7, 2025. The funeral rites, which are known locally as “Dote Yie”, ended on Monday, June 9, 2025. The funeral rites, steeped in tradition and culture, were a testament to the chief’s enduring legacy and the impact he had on the lives of the Mampong people. The elaborate ceremonies featured traditional drumming, dancing, and rituals, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom.
On the first day of the funeral, family members and community leaders paid their respects to the chief, sharing stories and anecdotes about his life and achievements. The atmosphere was somber, yet celebratory, as mourners reflected on the chief’s contributions to the development of Mampong. Sartuday’s rites saw a number of Asanteman, including Kumahumanhene Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, Mamponghene Abrempong, Effiduasehene Nana Adu Ameyaw II, and Ejurahene Barima Osei Hwediee II, all showing up to pay their last solemn tributes to the late Mamponghene. Also present at the event were royals from Eswatini, who were representing King Mswati II.
One of the touching moments at the event was when the wife and Daughter of Daasebre Osei Bonsu II paid their last respects to the late paramount chief, who was the second most powerful ruler in Asanteman. Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, who was born on December 31, 1939, passed on at age 86 and reigned for 26 years. Until his ascension to the throne, he was known as Saint Oswald Gyimah-Kessie, a Lawyer and an economist by profession, who later served as Registrar of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
The second day saw the arrival of former vice President Dr, Bawumia and other dignitaries, who came to pay their respects to their fellow statesman. They were warmly received by the family and community leaders, and their presence highlighted the chief’s influence and stature beyond the traditional council. Celebrities from the music and film industries also attended the ceremony, paying tribute to the chief’s impact on the community.
The dignitaries also shared fond memories of their interactions with the chief, praising his wisdom, leadership, and commitment to national development. Their presence was a testament to the chief’s impact on the nation, and his contributions to the country’s growth.
On the final day of the funeral, the King of the Ashanti tribe, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was received with traditional honors, and his presence underscored the chief’s importance in the traditional hierarchy and former Presidents John Agyekum Kuffour and Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo and the current President John Dramani Mahama, accompanied by ministers and other government officials, arrived in Mampong to pay their last respects. In his eulogy, the President praised the chief’s leadership, wisdom, and commitment to the development of the Ashanti Region. He described the chief as a unifying force, who worked tirelessly to promote peace and stability in the community. He urged the community to continue promoting the chief’s legacy and to work towards the development of Mampong.
The three-day funeral celebration was a fitting tribute to a leader who had touched so many lives. The presence of dignitaries and celebrities at the funeral was a testament to the chief’s impact on the nation, and his contributions to the development of Ghana.
As the Mampong people bid their final farewell, they took comfort in the knowledge that the chief’s legacy would live on, inspiring future generations to build on the foundations he had laid. The funeral celebration was a celebration of life and legacy, a reminder of the importance of leadership, community, and tradition.
The funeral of the beloved chief in Mampong was a grand celebration of a life well-lived, a testament to the enduring legacy of a true leader. As the community moves forward, they will continue to draw inspiration from the chief’s wisdom, leadership, and commitment to development. The presence of dignitaries and celebrities at the funeral was a fitting tribute to a leader who had made a lasting impact on the nation. The Mampong people will cherish the memories of their beloved chief, and work towards building a brighter future for themselves and future generations.
These are more pictures from the funeral celebration:
Story By:
Acheampong Prince
(National Service Personnel)
