Asantehene rejects proposal to include Queenmothers in House of Chiefs sittings

Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has firmly rejected proposals to establish a Chamber of Queenmothers and to include queenmothers in sittings of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs, insisting that Asante culture and tradition cannot be altered through legislation.

He acknowledged the critical role queenmothers play in Asante customary governance, particularly in the selection of chiefs and in offering counsel on important matters.

However, he stressed that tradition requires queenmothers to exercise this influence privately, while chiefs publicly speak on behalf of the stool.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II made the remarks at the final meeting of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs for 2025, held on Friday, December 19.

His comments followed a proposal by the National House of Chiefs seeking to establish a Chamber of Queenmothers and include them in sittings of the House under planned amendments to the Chieftaincy Act, 2008.

“We have to let Ghanaians know that traditions and customs differ across various areas. No one should create rules that bind everyone. The Asante culture is different from other cultures. The law governing queenmothers exists, and it has not changed.

“We respect them for selecting chiefs. All of us in this room were selected by women who are queenmothers. Our tradition is that they offer advice behind closed doors,” he stated.

The Asantehene further warned against imposing uniform cultural practices across the country, emphasising the uniqueness of the Asante chieftaincy system.