Bawumia visits Asantehemaa, seeks blessings for presidential vision

NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has paid a courtesy call on the newly enstooled Asantehemaa, Nana Yaa Akyaa II, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, seeking her blessings as he prepares for the 2028 presidential race.

The visit took place on Thursday, September 17, 2026, with Dr Bawumia using the occasion to congratulate Nana Yaa Akyaa II on her enstoolment and formally engage the traditional leadership of the Asante Kingdom.

Bawumia arrives at Manhyia

Dr Bawumia, who is the NPP’s flagbearer for the 2028 presidential election, was accompanied by several senior party figures and supporters during the visit.

Among those who accompanied him were former Suame MP Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Bantama MP Francis Asenso-Boakye, Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei and other NPP executives and party stalwarts.

The visit was primarily to congratulate the Asantehemaa on assuming the revered traditional position and to seek her prayers and blessings.

‘Please remember me in your prayers’

During the meeting, Dr Bawumia presented his presidential ambition to the Asantehemaa and appealed to her to remember him in her prayers.

According to reports from the meeting, he told Nana Yaa Akyaa II that Asanteman and the NPP had entrusted him with the mandate to lead the party into the 2028 elections.

He subsequently asked for her prayers as he pursues his ambition of becoming President of Ghana.

Asantehemaa responds with prayers

Nana Yaa Akyaa II responded to the request and assured Dr Bawumia of her prayerful support.

She is reported to have told him that she would support him with prayers to guide his endeavours.

The interaction adds another significant moment to Dr Bawumia’s engagements with traditional leaders as political activities gradually build towards the 2028 general election.

Bawumia describes Queenmother as ‘blessed’

Dr Bawumia also congratulated Nana Yaa Akyaa II and described her ascension to the Asantehemaa stool as a blessing to Asanteman and Ghana.

He prayed for her long life, good health and continued guidance in her new role.

According to reports, he said God had placed her in the position and described her as blessed.

A significant traditional engagement

Nana Yaa Akyaa II is the newly enstooled Asantehemaa and succeeds the late Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III.

Her official introduction followed her enstoolment by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in accordance with Asante customs and traditions.

Her installation has attracted visits from political leaders, government officials and other groups seeking to congratulate her and pay homage.

Earlier in September, a delegation of female government appointees led by Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo also visited the Manhyia Palace to congratulate the Asantehemaa and seek stronger collaboration between traditional leadership and government.

Bawumia’s 2028 journey gathers momentum

The Manhyia visit comes as Ghana’s political landscape begins to take shape ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

Dr Bawumia has already secured the NPP’s presidential nomination, and his engagement with traditional authorities forms part of his broader political activities ahead of the next national contest.

For now, his visit to the Manhyia Palace has ended with a message of congratulations to the new Asantehemaa and a request for prayers as he pursues his presidential ambition.

At Manhyia, the NPP flagbearer sought the blessings of Nana Yaa Akyaa II — adding another notable chapter to his journey towards the 2028 election.