Balancing duty, royalty: Inspiring journey of Krontihemaa Owiredua Asiedu Opoku

 Her life’s journey, shaped by a challenging childhood marked by hunger, family struggles and personal loss, has fuelled her passion for service, helping her to rise above hardship. In just over a year as Krontihemaa, she has already made meaningful contributions, including organising free breast and prostate screening sessions last October.

Last Tuesday, The Mirror had the opportunity to interact with her in Accra.

Early life and family background
Reflecting on her childhood, the Krontihemaa mentioned that she was the third of five daughters, was born in Takoradi, the Western Regional capital, to Madam Mercy Otudua Appiah and the late Michael Opoku Afram Asiedu, a former military officer.
"I went to school in Koforidua, Eastern Region, attended the Teacher Mante Junior High School and later Solomon Commercial College for my senior high," she added. 

Her father retired early to care for her ailing mother, leaving members of the family to struggle in meeting their daily needs. She recalled working on farms with her sisters in order to not to go hungry, a challenging experience she said taught her resilience and perseverance.

“I remember nearly burning down a house we were living in while trying to cook something to eat. Life was so tough that, whenever I thought about it, I felt like crying,” she stated.

Joining police force
In 2003, she began her police training as Mercy Owiredua Asiedua Opoku, officially enlisting and graduating in 2004 from the Winneba Training School. 

The acting Queen Mother proudly added that she has dedicated 20 years to the police service.

“My first post was at the Tema Community One Police Station, followed by Ashaiman Police Station, and eventually the Sakumono District Police Station, where I work in the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU),” she said. 

She has risen from Constable to Inspector, noting that her role with DOVVSU allowed her to connect deeply with the challenges of vulnerable women and children in her community.

Heartbreak as a widow
She recalled the heartbreak she experienced two years ago when she lost her husband whom she had been married to for 12 years.

“My husband, Kwame Penni, who was also a chief with the title, Asafohene Ashito Awudome in the Volta Region, passed away in January, 2022. I was at the office one afternoon when I got a call that he was critically ill and had been admitted at the Ho

Teaching Hospital. I rushed to see him, and they assured me he would be fine. Unfortunately, he passed away in the afternoon at around 3 p.m.,” she recalled.

Now a single mother to their only child, Princess Dziedzorm Penni, this loss has reinforced her belief that every woman should strive to work and secure her future.

“I had family and friends to lean on, but not every woman may be so lucky. This is why I always advise women to work, regardless of their husband’s position or income,” she added.

Enstoolment and duties as Krontihemaa
Her journey to becoming the Krontihemaa of Teacher Mante was a natural progression, rooted in her royal lineage. According to her, she underwent traditional rites to signify her readiness to lead and serve her people.

“Part of the rituals included slaughtering a sheep to purify me, walking from one end to the other three times, and being sprinkled with white powder. I was also confined in a room for seven days, where I learned about the traditions and customs of the land,” she explained.

Her duties as the 'mother of the town' include mediating disputes, overseeing events such as the Asanka festival and participating in traditional ceremonies alongside the chief, Omanahene Barima Okofo Gyekye Mante II, and the elders.

Community impact and initiatives
Among her outreach efforts, she has donated books, pens and mathematical sets to pupils preparing to sit for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and offering financial and emotional support to those in need.

Balancing police work and royal duties
She explained that her police commander was aware of her role as queen mother, and as such allowed her room to juggle both responsibilities.

“I usually visit the community during weekends when I'm off duty. If there’s an emergency, I seek permission from my commander, and he usually allows me to attend to my community and return to my duties,” she said.

Her work with DOVVSU aligns with her deep commitment to helping others, particularly women and children.

"I’ve always wanted to make a positive impact. I remember when my father was alive, every December, we would assist those in need, whether financially or with advice. If people needed help, I would do everything I could to support them,” she concluded.