That is the opening line of US Rapper Eminem’s 2002 hit Lose Yourself.

And 23 years later, this played out perfectly for Ghanaian documentary photographer, Paul Addo, on the hallowed royal durbar grounds of Manhyia in Kumasi, Ashanti Region.

A moment of fatigue became a moment of destiny when he reluctantly grabbed the opportunity to take a shot; unbeknownst to him, that single photo would define his professional journey.

Tired from the intensity of hectic activities, Paul decided to find a spot to rest his feet. That simple act led him to a scene that would forever etch his name into the visual history of the Asante Kingdom.

The photograph he took that day, June 26, of the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, just seven weeks later, became the official obituary portrait shared across billboards, newspapers, and live broadcasts during the state funeral of the revered queenmother.

The Fateful Day at Manhyia Palace

Paul’s dedication leads him to festivals and royal events across the country, often self-financing his travels.

His account of the day he photographed the Asantehemaa is a masterclass in a photographer’s instinct.

“I was very tired that day; you know how intense these festivals could be. I wanted to go and rest my feet a bit. Just when I was about to move, I saw an all-women group singing and dancing. There weren’t many, and they were right in front of Nana Hemaa. I couldn’t see her directly. I first took a picture of the women singing and dancing, and then, through a small opening, I saw that she was there, sitting under her umbrella.”

Curiosity compelled him to move closer.

“I didn’t know she was the Asantehemaa when I got there, but she was just glowing under her umbrella, and that compelled me to capture her.”

Following an unspoken protocol, he sought permission without words.

“I just bowed slightly to ask for permission and then, with the slightest nod, she agreed. And, you know, she looked me straight into the camera.”

For a few precious seconds, he had her attention.

Then, as she turned to speak with an attendant, Paul continued to shoot, preserving a candid glimpse of royalty.

Paul’s story is one of passion fuelled by perseverance. His advice to aspiring photographers is simple yet powerful:

“You have to shoot all the time… You cannot sit in your room and be thinking or dreaming about a particular shot. You just have to go out, and there you will find the stories, or the stories will find you.”

For Paul Addo, this iconic image is more than a single lucky shot; it is the powerful culmination of a deeply personal mission to tell the Ghanaian story with dignity, beauty, and truth.

How it all began

Paul Addo’s journey into photography began in Ghana’s pulsating music scene, working with platforms like GhanaMusic.com.

It was here, in the world of entertainment and early blogging, that he first encountered the power of an image.

However, the true spark ignited when he stumbled upon the work of a Ghanaian photographer named Yaw Opare online.

“These were pictures from somewhere in the Eastern region… and they were totally different from the regular pictures that I normally see from Ghanaian photographers at the time,” he says. “I had not really seen a photographer moving around the country and taking pictures of the landscape, so when I saw those pictures, it captivated me.”

He reached out, met Yaw Opare, and began studying under him.

Paul Addo is deliberate in calling himself a documentary photographer. His work is not just about capturing news; it’s about telling sustained, beautiful stories. He noticed a glaring disparity between the Ghana he lived in and the Ghana portrayed to the world.

“I realised that, oftentimes, the images that represent us as a country, and if you want to expand it as a continent, it’s not really the reality on the ground,” he explains, his voice firm with conviction. “The beauty within us isn’t shown; it’s not talked about that much. Oftentimes, it’s images of maybe a hungry child or a shirtless child somewhere, and then negative stories. And these are the images that they used to represent us.”

This realisation became the driving force behind his art. He set out to change the narrative, to focus on the profound beauty that resides in Ghana’s landscapes, its vibrant festivals, its rich food culture, and the dignified spirit of its people.

He also speaks candidly about the challenges, especially the business side of photography. He finances his personal projects through commercial gigs, weddings, events, and portraits, a common hustle for artists. But he issues a poignant call for local support, highlighting a critical gap.

“In the developed countries, they have some grants that they give to sponsor photographers to undertake projects. Here in Ghana, I don’t find much of that…,” he laments. I plead with the government and NGO’s to offer their support.”

Looking ahead, Paul Addo’s dreams are as vast as the continent he wishes to document. “I would love to travel the world and have a bigger platform internationally to showcase these works that I’ve been doing in Ghana and in the future Africa as well.”

His campaign remains anchored on a powerful idea, “Telling the Ghanaian story with photographs that dignify us. Not always the negative… we’ve portrayed a negative part of us for more than a hundred years, so we should be able to talk more about the good aspect also.”

Source: Judy Yayra Avanu

In a statement from the Burkingham Palace, the King conveyed his sincerest commiserations to the King, the Oyoko family and the people of the Asante kingdom on their great loss.

King Charles, who is a good friend of the Asantehene and an ally of the Asante kingdom, touted the unique qualities of the late Queen mother, highlighting her contributions in promulgating and preserving the traditions of the kingdom.

“Her Royal Majesty demonstrated a deep devotion to preserving the traditions and unity of the Ashanti throughout her life, and served as an exemplar of wise, fair, and gracious judgment and counsel,” the statement noted.

The British King shared that the impact of the Nana Konadu Yiadom III will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of the many lives she influenced.

“With her many years of experience of guidance, leadership and tireless service to charitable causes, which touched the lives of so many mothers, children, Her Royal majesty leaves a lasting legacy for your kingdom,” he said.

He continued that: “Her passing is an immense loss which I know will be keenly felt in the Ashanti community around the world”.

The statement concluded with the King expressing his family’s commiserations with Otumfuo.

“My special thoughts and prayers are with Your Majesty and your family at this very sad time and my wife joins me in sending our most heartfelt condolences to all those who share in your mourning,” said King Charles.

Source: Emmanuel Bright Quaicoe

Delivering the tribute on behalf of the President at the funeral rites in Kumasi on Thursday, September 18, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, said the Queen Mother’s wisdom and guidance left an enduring legacy.

“She was, without a doubt, a majestic pillar of strength and inspiration not only to the Manhyia Palace and the Asanteman, but to the entire nation,” Dr. Amoakohene stated.

The tribute celebrated Nana Konadu Yiadom III’s eight-year reign, during which she upheld Asante values, safeguarded tradition, and promoted peace and dignity.

“Throughout her eight-year reign, she embodied the true essence of Asante values, maintaining tradition with steadfast dedication and projecting an image of dignity and peace. Her wise counsel and astute guidance were invaluable. She was truly an inspiration and a worthy role model, particularly for the women of Asanteman and Ghana at large,” the statement read.

The late Queen Mother, sister of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is being laid to rest with elaborate rites in Kumasi, attracting dignitaries, chiefs, political leaders, and mourners from across the country.

Source: Adomonline

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• Shops, offices closed in Kumasi for funeral of late Asantehemaa 

• Kumasi Archbishop leads delegation to console Asantehene over Asantehemaa’s passing

• Asante Customs: In the absence of Asantehemaa, Kokofu and Kenyasi take over till new…

In a tribute read on his behalf by business magnate Sir Sam Jonah during the Dote Yie ceremony, Otumfuo reflected on the unique bond he shared with the Queen Mother.

“For me personally, she was my confidante. In moments when the burdens of kingship pressed heavily upon me, I could turn to her not as the Asantehemaa but as my sister, menua panin. She had the rare ability to speak to me as both a mother and a friend,” he said.

He praised her wisdom and thoughtful guidance, noting, “Her words were never reckless, never shallow. They were words that came from a deep well of experience and wisdom.”

The solemn ceremony at the Manhyia Palace brought together prominent Ghanaian figures, including former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Akufo-Addo, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who joined the Asantehene in honouring the late Queen Mother.

The Asantehemaa passed away on August 7, 2025, at the age of 98.

Source: Adomonline

ALSO READ:

• Livestream: Final funeral rites of late Asantehemaa at Manhyia Palace 

•  Mahama joins Kufuor and Akufo-Addo to pay last respect to Asantehemaa 

The tribute, read on his behalf by Sir Sam Jonah, Executive Chairman of Jonah Capital, was delivered at a solemn ceremony in Kumasi to honour the revered Queen Mother.

Otumfuo described Nana Konadu Yiadom III not only as a royal matriarch but also as a sister and confidant who offered counsel with rare wisdom, humility, and devotion.

“In moments when the burden of kingship pressed heavily upon me, I could turn to her — not as the Asantehemaa, but as my sister,” he said, recalling her guidance as rooted in love and loyalty, free from personal ambition.

He highlighted her reign as one marked by peace, patience, and humility, stressing that her quiet strength and service shaped the soul of Asanteman.

“The Asante nation will forever remember and honour her name. Generations yet unborn will speak of Nana Konadu Yiadom III as a woman of peace, patience, and grace,” the Asantehene declared.

Otumfuo concluded with a call for leaders to emulate her example of humility and service, describing her life as a true legacy of love and compassion.

Source: AdomOnline

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• Livestream: Final funeral rites of late Asantehemaa at Manhyia Palace 
• My wife and I laugh at trolls – Akwaboah
•  Mahama joins Kufuor and Akufo-Addo to pay last respect to Asantehemaa 

In a deeply emotional tribute read on his behalf by business leader Dr. Sam Jonah, the Asantehene said the passing of his elder sister had left “an emptiness in my heart and in the soul of Asanteman.”

“It is not easy for me, as king, to put into words the depth of my grief. For the nation has lost a mother, and I have lost not only a sister but also one of my greatest pillars of strength,” he said.

He described Nana Konadu Yiadom III as more than a queen in title, noting that her calm and measured presence held together the family, lineage, and traditions of the Ashanti Kingdom.

“She was truly the mother of the kingdom, the one whose presence held together the delicate threads of our family and our heritage,” he said.

Reflecting on their bond before his ascension to the throne, the Asantehene recalled her role in preparing him for leadership.

“Before the weight of the Golden Stool was placed upon me, she had already carried the weight of sisterhood, counsel, and love. She guided me with a steady hand as an elder, preparing me in ways I did not fully understand until destiny placed the Golden Stool upon me.”

Source: Emma Ankrah

In a public announcement, the Funeral Planning Committee of Manhyia Palace reminded chiefs, traditional leaders, and mourners that the use of live ammunition is strictly prohibited.

The committee clarified that traditional musketry, a central feature of Asante royal ceremonies, will only be allowed if fired into the sky, not towards people or the ground.

“Anyone found violating these rules will be arrested and subjected to the appropriate legal action,” the statement warned.

The palace urged full compliance with the regulations to guarantee a safe and dignified farewell for the revered queen mother.

Security agencies are expected to work closely with palace authorities to enforce the directives, as Kumasi prepares for what is anticipated to be one of the largest funerary gatherings in decades.

RELATED

Source: Adomonline 

Schools and markets have been ordered to shut down on the day while Pharmacies, banks, fuel stations, restaurants, and transport operators have been excluded from the restrictions of movement.

Utility companies and essential service providers including the Electricity Company of Ghana, Ghana Water Company Limited, Fire Service, Ambulance and Health Service personnel have also been exempted.

However, they must comply with new directives from the ARCC for their easy identification during the day.

In a press release signed by the Ashanti regional minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, essential government workers must wear their official uniforms and carry valid Identification cards.

They have also been requested to commute to and from their offices in their official government vehicles.

“All exempted institutions and essential workers are advised to cooperate fully with security personnel and other regulatory agencies enforcing the movement restrictions,” portions of the statement noted.

Source: Emmanuel Bright Quaicoe

Hundreds of mourners, clad in symbolic red and black, have filled the palace grounds to pay their respects to the late Nana Konadu Yiadom III, whose memory remains etched in the heart of Asanteman.

The four-day funeral rites, known as Dote Yie, are being led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, alongside chiefs and royals of the Ashanti Kingdom.

The passing of the queen mother has drawn not only traditional leaders but also government officials, religious figures, political dignitaries, and well-wishers from across Ghana and beyond, who are expected to join the solemn ceremonies at Manhyia in the coming days.

Here’s how Asantehene entered the funeral grounds of the late Asantehemaa.

Here’s how Barima Sarfo Tweneboa Koduah made his entry amidst a rich display of Ashanti tradition.

Source: Kenneth Awotwe Darko

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• Manhyia Palace immersed in tradition as Asantehemaa’s burial rites begin today

In line with Ashanti tradition, all funerals across the Ashanti Kingdom will be suspended from September 1 until September 18 to give full reverence to the memory of the late Queen Mother.

As part of the arrangements, shops and businesses are expected to close on September 18 to enable citizens and visitors to participate in the solemn rites and pay their last respects.

The funeral rites of Nana Konadu Yiadom III, who played a pivotal role in the Ashanti Kingdom until her passing, are expected to draw large numbers of mourners, dignitaries, and traditional leaders from within Ghana and beyond.

Nana Konadu Yiadom III passed away at dawn on August 7, 2025.

A one-week observation of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, was held on August 21, 2025, at the forecourt of the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

Mourners from across Ghana and beyond are expected to gather to pay their last respects to the Asantehemaa, who served the Ashanti Kingdom with dedication for eight years.

According to palace officials, the solemn ceremony will follow traditional Asante customs, with chiefs, queen mothers, government officials, and members of the public expected to attend in mourning attire.

Nana Konadu Yiadom III, celebrated for her wisdom, compassion, and commitment to preserving Ashanti traditions, passed away on August 7, 2025, at the age of 98.

Her passing has been described as a “great loss” to both the Ashanti Kingdom and the nation.

Source: Adomonline.com

ALSO READ:

• Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III passes on at 98

• Teacher Safo Kantanka writes: Tale of Asantehemaa, Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III

The late Queenmother, Nana Konadu Yiadom III was confirmed to have died on August 7, 2025.

The one-week observation has been slated for Thursday August 21, 2025.

As part of security measures for the safe and smooth traffic management during the funeral, the following roads leading to the Manhyia Palace will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic:

•  Manhyia Bonjour Road (from Airport Roundabout to Manhyia Palace)
• Sumankwahene’s Junction Road to Manhyia Palace
• Nick Petroleum Filling Station Road to Manhyia Palace
• St. Ann’s Anglican Church Road to Manhyia Palace
• Manhyia Government Hospital Road through to Alaba
• Yokohene’s Palace Street leading to the Palace
• Hyiawuhemaa’s Palace Street
• Nana Akwasi Agyemang Junction to the Manhyia Museum

Traffic Diversion

Meanwhile, motorists have been advised to follow the traffic diversion arrangements as follows:

Commercial vehicles from Dichemso and Airport Roundabout, and private vehicles coming through the Manhyia Bonjour Road will be diverted through Asawase Police Station and Kainako Road towards the Kumasi Central Mosque to access the central business district.

Only invited guests and participants attending the one-week funeral celebration have been allowed access beyond the diversion points.

Traffic from 19 Steps Road near the Manhyia Roundabout through Alaba will be rerouted accordingly.

Vehicle Parking Arrangements

A. Approved Parking for Government Officials has been Antoa Station Car Park (only with official stickers)

B. Parking for Chiefs and Queen Mothers have been allowed at Melcom Car Park, and DKC Car Park.Designated parking areas for the general public include Central Mosque Car Park, Asawasi Methodist Park and the Atipimhene’s Park.

Free shuttle services will operate for the general public from the following locations to the Manhyia Palace: Asawasi Methodist Park and the Central Mosque Car Park.

Caution

The Police caution vehicles found parked in authorized areas will be towed to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly at a cost to the owner as they strictly note cars will not be allowed to drive through the blocked roads on the day.

Tricycles (Aboboyaa), rickshaw (Pragia) and motor bikes have been banned from accessing the closed roads or the event grounds during the one-week funeral celebration.

“This measure is to ensure safety, orderliness and smooth traffic flow. Operators of these tricycles (Aboboyaa), rickshaw (Pragia) and motor bikes are adviced to comply fully with these restrictions to avoid impoundment,” the statement read.

The Police is advising motorists and the general public to fully cooperate for smooth and effective traffic management.

Speaking to Adom News in an exclusive interview, he explained that the process of a successor of the queen mother differs from that of the king.

“In the queen mother replacement, it’s through a matrilineal process, with this the queen mother of Asante Mampong is from the Bretuo family, and Asantehemaa is from the Oyoko family. So, for the matrilineal channel, the right person to oversee are the queen mothers of Kokofu and Kwabre Kenyasi,” he said.

In the absence of the Asantehene, the paramount chiefs of Mampong, Offinso, Adansi, and Essumeja Bantama often take over, hence the perception that in the absence of Asantehemaa, the Mamponghemaa will take charge.

According to Teacher Kantanka, because Asante is a military state, all the paramount chiefs of Mampong, Adansi, Essumeja, Bantama, and Offinso are classified as military divisions in the Asante kingdom, and they are the right people to take charge in the absence of Asantehene.

The Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, passed on at the age of 98. Her one week observance is scheduled for Thursday, August 21, 2025 at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

Afoko highlighted that this loss follows the death of two prominent chiefs and a linguist in Asanteman, marking a particularly devastating blow to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who has lost his only surviving sister and traditional mother.

Reflecting on his personal connection, Afoko recalled the great honour bestowed upon him by the Asantehene earlier this year, when a high-level delegation was sent to represent the Otumfuo at his late father’s funeral in Sandema, Upper East Region.

He joined many politicians, business leaders, clergy, traditional rulers, imams, and citizens from all walks of life in recognising the invaluable role the Asantehene plays for the nation.

Concluding his tribute, Afoko said, “Nana Otumfuo, me ma wo due, due ne amanehunu. Due Damirifa Due.”

Press Release

Ghana has undergone tragedies of death lately, and today, August 11, 2025, I have learnt with a heavy heart of the passing of the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

This comes after the Asantehene losing two prominent chiefs and a linguist in Asanteman. I am particularly saddened by such a devastating blow to the Otumfuo on the loss of his only surviving sister and traditional mother.

I have been a beneficiary of the great honour bestowed upon me by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, when he sent a high-level representation to my late father’s funeral in Sandema in the Upper East Region this year.

I therefore join the queue of the numerous politicians, businessmen and women, the clergy, Traditional Rulers, Imams and Petitioners from all walks of life who have come to recognize what a gem this country has in the Asantehene.

Nana Otumfuo, me ma wo due, due ne amanehunu. Due Damirifa Due

Signed by
Awentami Paul Afoko

Source: Adomonline

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He was a carpenter by profession. Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III, the 14^th Queen of Asante, was the first born of Asantehemaa Nana Afia Kobi’s five children, the youngest of whom is Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

In her teens, traditional puberty rites were performed for her to usher her into womanhood. After that she got married to Opanin Kwame Boateng, a blacksmith by profession who hailed from Aduman, near Kumasi.

At a very early age, just when she was a little over a year old and being breastfeed, Nana Panin was separated from her biological mother and given to her aunt (mother’s sister), Nana Afia Konadu at Ashanti New Town (Ash-Town) a suburb of Kumasi.

Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III who, known in early life as Nana Panin, became well educated for life through informal palace education though she did not go through any formal education.

In 1959, at the age of about 22, Nana Panin was christened and baptized into the saviour church of Ghana with christian Name Ruth. She was also of the Anglican church by convention, for every Asantehene and Asantehemaa is an automatic member and patron of the Anglican Church.

By occupation, Nana Konadu Yiadom III was a carer who specialized in local dishes. She was also into food crop farming and petty trading. Her hobbies were cooking, music and dance.

In the 2016, when her mother the Asantehemaa, nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem III passed on to eternity at the age of one hundred and eleven (111), Nana Ama Konadu (Nana Panin) was chosen to take her place on the 6^th of February 2017, with the stool name Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III.

This fulfilled the prophecy of the Kwaku Firi Shrine through Baafuo Osei Akoto, a senior Linquist of Asantehene.

During her reign from 2017 2025, Nana Konadu Yiadom III was known to be fair and firm honest and a good advisor. She had her won count where all her judgement were hailed as fair.

The Saviour church of Ghana has named a school at Bonwire after her, Nana Konadu Saviour school.

May she rest in perfect peace.

The writer, Teacher Safo Kantanka, is a Monarchical historian at the Manhyia Palace.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II chose the occasion of his birthday on Saturday May 6 to publicly outdoor Nana Yiadom at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

The occasion was also used to commission a renovated ceremonial park named after Nana Afia Kofi Serwaa Ampem II at the Manhyia Palace.

The park, located directly opposite the Manhyia Museum has been fixed with an artificial green grass.

With two miniature lions at the gate, the park, which is about half the size of a football field is used for ceremonial gatherings.

Nana Konadu Yiadom III, who is also the elder sister of Otumfuo Osei Tutu sat next to the Asantehene.

The Asantehene explained that Nana Konadu Yiadom III was selected based on the age-old Asante custom and traditions where the eldest and the most suitable was selected but not because she was the elder sister.

He called on the spirit of the late mother to fill her successor with her spirit, qualities and assist and guide her to also be a great mother to the Kingdom.

He lauded her late mum for her excellent and exemplary role as the mother of the Kingdom for 39 years and stated that he and the Kingdom would continue to honour her memory and her name.

Otumfuo expressed his sincere gratitude to her late mum for not only giving birth to him but also selecting him as the King of the Asantes and guiding him to be a successful Asantehene.

The occasion attracted queenmothers from across the country, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Simon Osei-Mensah, his deputy Elizabeth Agyeman and the Regional Police Commander, DCOP Mr Ken Yeboah.

Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II was born in 1907 and died November 15, 2016 (aged 109). Her predecessor was Nana Amma Serwaa Nyarko II and was succeeded by her daughter, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.