September 29, 2025
By Isaac Nsiah Foster
A 48-year-old businesswoman, known in private life as Madam Spendilove Afrakomah, has been installed as Nsenie Hemaa of the Bekwai Traditional Council under the stool name Nana Agyekuwaa Baadue IV in the Ashanti Region.
A Colourful Akwasidae Installation
The colourful installation ceremony took place at the Omanhemaa’s Palace on Sunday during the seventh (7th) Akwasidae Festival. The event drew chiefs and people from Patase, Kumasi, Accra, as well as family members and friends from across the country.
Sub-chiefs, queen mothers, and elders took turns to advise the newly installed queen mother. They reminded her to make herself available for the regular Akwasidae observance.
“We expect Nana Agyekuwaa Baadue IV to walk in humility and work hand in hand with the Omanhemaa and elders for the progress of our community,” one elder advised.
Words of Wisdom from the Omanhemaa
The Omanhemaa of Bekwai, Nana Adwoah Penamang, urged the new queen mother to handle her new responsibilities with seriousness.
“As an elder woman of your family and now as Nsenie Hemaa, you must keep the secrets of the stool and honour it with dignity. If you do this, all will be well with you in every endeavour,” the Omanhemaa said.
She also reminded Nana Agyekuwaa Baadue IV of her sensitive role.
“You are responsible for safeguarding the Manhemaa’s wellbeing at gatherings, especially in what she consumes. Approach this role with humour, grace, and wisdom, and you will attract good things to our community,” she added.
Pledge of Commitment from the New Queen Mother
In her acceptance speech, Nana Agyekuwaa Baadue IV expressed deep gratitude to the Omanhemaa, chiefs, and elders.
“I am grateful for the confidence reposed in me. I assure you that I will serve this land with all my strength and work for the development of Bekwai,” she declared.
She further pledged to mobilize the women of Bekwai, saying, “I will rally all women to support development projects and ensure that together we leave a legacy of progress.”
Asante Wo Dom Union Rallies Behind Her
At a reception held at Patase in the Bekwai Municipality—her hometown—the Asante Wo Dom Union, a vibrant traditional association, honoured her installation.
Nana Baffuor Brenya, a relative of the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, urged the people to treat their new queen mother with utmost respect.
“I am expecting Nananom to assist her in resolving all challenges confronting both the family and the community,” he said.
On his part, T/Dr. Seth Okyere, President of the Asante Wo Dom Union, called on the people to show unity and support.
“Let us show love and stand by our queen mother to ensure the development of our community,” he encouraged.
He also congratulated Nana Agyekuwaa Baadue IV for successfully succeeding her late predecessor, Nana Agyekuwaa Baadue III.
Union Members Celebrate with Dance and Thanksgiving
After the ceremony, the leadership of the Asante Wo Dom Union—including T/Dr. Seth Okyere (President), Agya Wusu (Vice President), Enoch Oduro (Organizer), Nice Frimpong (Executive Member, IT), Georgina Brobbey (Treasurer), Queen Faiza (Assistant Secretary), and Isaac Nsiah Foster (General Secretary)—were invited to officially greet their newly installed member.
Prior to the coronation, members of the union and family members staged vibrant dance performances to express joy and gratitude to God while seeking His continuous protection for their queen mother.