The King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has thrown light on the authority of queens and their roles in decision-making within his realm.
Otumfuo noted that their authority, derived from the age-old customs of the kingdom, has been guarded and maintained through the ages, withstanding external pressures and influences.
His Majesty said they wield enormous authority as well as the great honour and respect from their chiefs and people.
“The authority given to our Queens by our forebearers still exists. We give them the needed respect and honour. They are empowered to choose chiefs. We were all chosen by the Queens.”
Per Asante traditions, queens sit by their traditional sons, offering them advice on how to govern their jurisdictions, Otumfuo enlightened.
“Our culture demands that after choosing you for the position, she sits beside you in public and advises you in public. At Asanteman Council meetings, they join us.”
This does not include joining in the deliberations of the Council, His Majesty noted as he used his relations with Asantehemaa as an analogy.
“When we meet at home, Asantehemaa sits beside me. She has never spoken to Asanteman, but she wields power over all paramount chiefs. She leaves all the speech to me, but behind the scenes, she is offering a strong backing.”
This is replicated across the realms of Asante, Otumfuo stated.
This formed part of a passionate yet firm speech delivered at a meeting of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs on December 19, over proposals from the National House of Chiefs to amend the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759) to establish a Chamber of Queenmothers and include them in House of Chiefs sittings.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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Source:
opemsuo.com