In the Asante Kingdom, the highest monarch is the King, Otumfour Osei Tutu II. The queen mother also assumes a powerful role in the administration of the Asante kingdom and the stability of the chieftaincy institution. She appoints heirs to the stool, counsels the king on matters concerning the welfare of the people, and handles delicate issues regarding women and girls

Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampen II was appointed by Otumfuor Opoku Ware II in 1977.  She served Asanteman and Ghana for 39 years and survived with 5 children. Her first born, Nana Kunadu, succeeded her as the 14th Asantehemaa, while her last born, Barima Kwaku Dua, is the current Asante King.

Akan Philosophical Thought

The Akan people, just like many other cultures in the world, believe that the human soul is immortal, just as the creator is immortal. Therefore, when a person dies, it is believed that the soul of the deceased is journeying to ‘‘Asamando’’ (the land of the dead). For this reason, family members of the deceased present gift items necessary for the soul to embark on this journey successfully. Women family members presented gift items in brass basins before the queen. These items are termed locally as the adwarede (bathing items such as sponge, soap, bucket, towel, and pomade. Next is the asiede. This includes everything a person requires for a trip, including a mat, clothes, and pillow.

Bural Ceremony (Dote Yie)

Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampen II was 111 years old when she passed away on November 14, 2016. The burial ceremony was held over four days from Monday, January 16, to Thursday, January 19, 2017. Thursday is translated in the Akan dialect as ‘‘Yaw da’’, (a day of pain).

Kings and queen mothers, traditional authority, religious leaders, and dignitaries from both within and outside Ghana, and the general public assembled to pay their last respect to Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampen II and mourn with the King, Nana Osei Tutu II. Men wore the black ‘‘kuntunkuni’’ cloth with the native ‘‘ahenema’’ slippers. Women also wore black with their heads covered in black knitting or the traditional ‘‘dansinkran’’ hair style with no jewelry.

The King escorted the casket of the Queen to Dwabrem, the ceremonial grounds at Manhyia Palace, holding a long-barreled gun with both hands. This demonstrates his readiness to protect the Queen to the end.

Kuntunkuni Day

The Akwasidae festival is a vibrant Ashanti celebration in Ghana, observed on a Sunday, once every six weeks to honour the ancestors of Asante land and the Asantehene. It is a sacred occasion marked by traditional rituals, including drumming, dancing, and processions, showcasing the rich Asante culture and traditions. However, during the time of the funeral rites of the Asantehemaa, that particular Akwasidae, which preceded the final funeral rites, was instead celebrated as Kuntunkuni Day.  On that day, the King was all clothed in kuntunkuni, symbolizing his deep grief over the death of his mother.

The Battle With Death

The next day, following the Kuntunkuni Day, the King is fortified for a battle with death for claiming his mother. Members of the gathering also wore kuntunkuni in solidarity with the king in his battle.

Women’s Role in the Funeral Rites

Women play a crucial role in the Akan society in its governance and leadership thus complementing the male role. All eight clans of Akan, known in Akan parlance as mmusuakuo: Abusua Oyoko, Bretuo, Agona, Asona, Asenie, Aduana, Ekuona, and Asakyiri, have female ancestors. Local music sung by the Bard, locally known as ‘Kwadwomfo’ and 'nwonkoro’, was crucial in the processions of the Asantehemaa’s funeral rites.

‘Gone to the Village’ shows a fusion of Asante traditions, political authority, and national unity for the late Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampen II. It is a must-watch for anyone who wants to learn about the Asante royal customs and traditions regarding death and funeral rites.