‘Human head will be buried with late Asante Mamponghene’ – Traditional executioner claims

In a video shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the feared executioner warned residents and visitors to the town to exercise caution.

“What we want the public to know is that anyone visiting Asante Mampong should understand that we are in deep mourning for our overlord. If Daasebre (the late chief) is to journey to join his ancestors tomorrow, then everyone coming to our town must be very careful. Our King, the Asantehene, will be present, and we will yield to his authority. We obey whatever he commands. If our King says we should cut, we will cut. If he says we shouldn’t, we will not. So tomorrow, we will have to bury a head together with our late chief,” the executioner stated.

The final funeral rites, known as Dote Yie, for the late Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, began on Saturday, June 7, 2025, and concluded on Monday, June 9, 2025.

The first two days of the Dote Yie saw leading political figures, including former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and traditional rulers from across the country, paying their last respects to the late occupant of the Silver Stool of the Asante Kingdom.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will be present on the final day of the Dote Yie to honor his second-in-command.

President John Dramani Mahama attended the ceremony to pay his last respects to the late Mamponghene on Monday.

Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, born on December 31, 1939, passed away at the age of 86 after reigning for 26 years.

Before ascending the throne, he was known as Saint Oswald Gyimah-Kessie—a lawyer and economist by profession—who also served as the Registrar of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

Renowned for his diplomacy and unwavering dedication, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II leaves behind a legacy of decades-long service to his people and to Ghana’s chieftaincy institution.