Ejisu queenmother steals show with gun …at Asantehemaa’s 5th anniversary

NANA YAA Asantewaa, the Paramount Queenmother of Ejisu Traditional Council, was the toast of people that trooped to the Manhyia Palace forecourt last Wednesday.

The Ejisu Queenmother, who was openly brandishing a pump action gun to display her bravery, was seen intermittently firing gunshots into the air, attracting applause from the crowd.

The occasion was the fifth anniversary celebration of the enstoolment of the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, which was graced by the Vice President, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia.

A durbar of Queenmothers in Asanteman to mark the important day saw top queenmothers storming the durbar grounds, dressed in different types of ‘Kente’ clothes.

But the emergence of the Ejisu Queenmother at the durbar grounds was splendid as she was seen several gunshots, as her subjects, who were following her, cheered her on.

At the tail end of the colourful programme, the Ejisu Queenmother started to fire gunshots again, after Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, ended his speech.

Otumfuo, during his speech, recounted the bravery of the famous Nana Yaa Asantewaa of blessed memories, whose bravery about 120 years ago helped Asanteman to protect the sacred Golden Stool, which is the soul of Asantes.

According to Otumfuo, the British forces invaded Kumasi at the time and demanded the Golden Stool but Yaa Asantewaa, resisted them, leading to a war, which ensured the safety of the Golden Stool.

He said if Asanteman has become storms and famous globally now then women, especially Nana Yaa Asantewaa and other queenmothers of Asante, needs to be mentioned.

The Asantehene also stressed on the important roles that queenmothers have played in the past and continue to play in the advancement of the state, saying that queenmothers are very important in Asanteman.

He therefore warned chiefs to desist from sidelining queenmothers in the management of their communities, stressing that queenmothers have key roles to play to accelerate national growth.

The Asantehene lauded Nana Koandu Yiadom III for her patience, calmness, development-oriented nature and passion for development, praying for long life and good health for the Queen.

Dr. Bawumia, on his part, said the NPP administration has helped to improve women empowerment and said more would be done to take women to the highest level to showcase their talents.

First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Second Lady, Samira Bawumia, Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Opare, Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh aka ‘Napo’ and other dignitaries were present