Otumfuo Rejects Queenmothers' Bid for House of Chiefs Representation

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has firmly opposed proposals to include queenmothers in formal sittings of the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs.

Addressing the final meeting of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs on Friday, December 19, 2025, the King of the Asante Kingdom argued against the move, emphasizing the importance of precedent and established customs.

The debate stems from proposed amendments to the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), initiated by the National House of Chiefs under the leadership of Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II. The amendments aim to create a ‘Chamber of Queenmothers’ and grant them seats alongside chiefs, promoting gender equity within the traditional governance system.

However, JoyNews’ Ashanti Regional Correspondent, Nana Boakye Yiadom, reported that Otumfuo views the proposal as a potentially damaging overreach that could disrupt the unique cultural fabric of the Asante Kingdom.

While acknowledging the “critical role” queenmothers play – particularly their veto power in the selection of chiefs within the Asante matrilineal system – Otumfuo maintained that the current arrangements should remain unchanged. He stressed the importance of recognizing the distinct nature of Asante traditions.

“We have to let Ghanaians know that traditions and customs differ across various areas. No one should create rules that bind everyone… Our tradition is that they [queenmothers] offer advice behind closed doors,” the Asantehene stated, speaking in the Twi language. “I will not allow anyone in Ghana to change my culture.”

He further emphasized the respect due to queenmothers, stating, “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.”

Otumfuo’s strong position comes as the All Regions Queenmothers Association, led by Nana Otubea II, actively advocates for representation on the Judicial Committees of the Houses of Chiefs. They contend that all-male panels deciding cases involving queenmothers are “unfair and discriminatory.”

Their campaign has gained traction following the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), which mandates a 30% quota for women in key decision-making roles.

Legal experts suggest that the Asantehene’s remarks could foreshadow a constitutional challenge, pitting the proposed amendments to the Chieftaincy Act against Article 270 of the Constitution, which safeguards the institution of chieftaincy as defined by customary law.

A move by the government to proceed with the amendments could potentially trigger resistance from the Ashanti Region, considered the most influential traditional area in the country. For now, the Asantehene has clearly signaled his opposition to queenmothers participating in public sittings of the House of Chiefs.

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