Addo-Kufuor Visits Otumfuo at Manhyia Palace to Offer Condolences After Asantehemaa’s Demise
- Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor paid a visit to Manhyia Palace to express his condolences to the Asantehene after Asantehemaa's passing
- In a video, the former Defence Minister shared a heartfelt moment with the grieving Otumfuo Osei Tutu II inside the palace
- Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor's rare public appearance triggered mixed reactions from many Ghanaians on social media
Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, the brother of former president John Agyekum Kufuor, visited Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
Source: TikTok
The former Minister of Defence made his official visit to extend his condolences to the Asantehene and his family following the passing of the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
Other prominent personalities, including other traditional leaders in the Ashanti Kingdom, businessman Dr Kwaku Oteng, veteran broadcaster Kwame Adinkra, and Movement for Change leader Alan Kyeremanten, also visited the Manhyia Palace to commiserate with the grieving Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Addo-Kufuor interacts with Otumfuo at Manhyia Palace
In a video seen by YEN.com.gh, Kwame Addo-Kufuor, who is old and struggles to walk like his brother John Agyekum Kufuor, needed the assistance of two individuals as he went to offer his condolences to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and his subjects, who had gathered indoors to welcome the guests.
The Asantehene beamed with a smile as he interacted with the Chancellor of Kumasi Technical University, whom he acknowledged as his uncle due to their family ties.
Kwame Addo-Kufuor also offered his condolences to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's subjects who were seated around him. He and the Asantehene shared a short, friendly conversation before the former departed with the aides helping him return to his seat.
His appearance at the Manhyia Palace marked a rare public sighting for the former politician, who has remained out of the public spotlight for many years.
The video of Addo-Kufuor visiting Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace is below:
Who is Addo-Kufuor?
Aside from being the younger brother of former president John Agyekum Kufuor, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor is well known for being a founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and his job as a physician.
The 85-year-old University of Cambridge alumni served as the Member of Parliament for the Manhyia constituency from 2001 to 2007.
Source: Facebook
During his brother's time as the president of Ghana, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor also served as the Minister of Defence and later the Minister of Interior following Malik Alhassan Yakubu's resignation in 2002.
He was later appointed as the board chairman for the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) during the former president Nana Akufo-Addo's first term in office.
Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor served in the role until 2021, when he was replaced by Elizabeth Ohene. In September 2022, he was sworn in as the first-ever Chancellor of the Kumasi Technical University.
Asantehemaa's passing and aftermath
On Monday, August 11, 2025, the Oyoko Family confirmed that the Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III, who was the second most powerful royal in the Ashanti Kingdom, had died at the age of 98.
She had been appointed to the position of Asantehemaa on February 6, 2017, taking over from her mother, the late Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II announced the Asantehemaa's passing during an emergency Asanteman Traditional Council meeting at the Manhyia Palace.
The Manhyia Palace subsequently announced a ban on all funerals across Asanteman on Thursday, August 21, 2025, to help the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Asanteman to observe the one-week celebration of the late Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III.
Addo-Kufuor's public appearance stirs reactions
Dr Addo-Kufuor's appearance at the Manhyia Palace triggered many reactions from Ghanaians on social media. YEN.com.gh has gathered some comments below:
estheroppong333 commented:
"Oh! Our elders, may the Lord give you strength."
KwadwoSpeaks said:
"Eii, I thought Mugabe was the one greeting Otumfuo o. Eeiii Awurade. 😂😂"
Apexman1986 wrote:
"Wow, is that our former Defence Minister?"
Otumfuo receives prayers after Asantehemaa's demise
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Otumfuo received prayers from the Archbishop of Kumasi during his visit to the Manhyia Palace.
The Asantehene bowed before Most Reverend Gabriel Justice Anokye, who prayed for him and sympathised with him over his loss.
The Kumasi Archbishop also commiserated with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's grieving family members at the palace.
Source: YEN.com.gh
