Book of condolence opens after formal announcement of passing of Mankessim queenmother Nana Ama Amissah III
It was a scene of sorrow at Mankessim on Friday, when Osagyefo Amanfo Edu VI, Paramount Chief of the Mankessim Traditional Area, formally announced the passing of the Queenmother, Nana Ama Amissah III, whose demise occurred in March in the United States of America.
The announcement was made during the annual Ahobaa Festival celebration, held on the first Friday of June, transforming what is normally a vibrant cultural gathering into a solemn moment of mourning as chiefs, elders, and residents struggled to contain their grief.
In line with tradition, the Head of the Nsona Royal Family, Ebusuapanyin Kwame Kwakye, together with Ebusuapanyin Kojo Dickson, first formally informed the Paramount Chief of the Queenmother’s passing.
As custom demands, upon receiving the news, the Nsona family proceeded to perform customary rites, including the slaughtering of a sheep, before the Paramount Chief subsequently made the official announcement to the wider traditional area.
Osagyefo Amanfo Edu described the loss as a painful blow to the entire Mankessim Traditional Area, noting that the queenmother had been a pillar of wisdom, unity, and cultural guidance throughout her reign of over three decades.
He said her passing has left a significant void in the traditional leadership structure and the collective identity of the people.
The Paramount Chief also expressed profound gratitude to the President for his intervention in facilitating the repatriation of the late queenmother’s remains from the United States to Ghana.
He explained that the process was undertaken with full support from the president and, notably, without any financial burden on the family or the traditional council.
Osagyefo Amanfo Edu VI further noted that although the Nana Amissah had physically departed, her contributions toward unity and development within Mankessim would remained enduring.
Following the announcement, the Mankessim Traditional Council confirmed that a book of condolence had been opened at the Queenmother’s office as well as at the residence of the Paramount Chief, allowing members of the public to pay their respects.
The Ahobaa Festival, which commemorated ancestral sacrifice and cultural heritage in every first Friday of June, took on a mournful tone as drumming, flute music, and traditional songs were performed in subdued atmosphere.
The festival, which normally celebrates the heroic sacrifice of Egya Ahor, became a moment of reflection and remembrance for the departed queenmother.
A statement from the Mankessim Traditional Council described Nana Ama Amissah III as a respected leader whose wisdom, dignity, and compassion profoundly impacted the lives of many within and beyond the traditional area.
It noted that she dedicated over three decades of service to her people, Ghana, and Africa at large.
The Council, together with the Pakesedo Nsona Royal Family and traditional elders, extended condolences to the bereaved family and the entire traditional area, urging the public to support them with prayers during this difficult period.
Details of funeral arrangements and traditional rites would be announced later
