The Former Municipal Chief Executive for Wenchi, Dr. Prince Kwakye Afiriyie, joined thousands of mourners over the weekend to bid farewell to the late Wenchimanhemaa, Ohemaa Atoa Ampoforo Twewaa Otosuo Seramangyedua III.
Delivering a tribute at the funeral, Dr. Afiriyie described the late Queen Mother as an exceptional woman whose leadership and humility left a lasting mark on the Wenchi Traditional Area. He praised her as a knowledgeable teacher, a mother to many, a devoted servant, a trustworthy leader, and a God-fearing woman.
He said news of her passing came as a heavy blow, noting that Wenchiman had lost one of its greatest leaders, “one whose replacement will be extremely difficult to find.”
Reflecting on her leadership, Dr. Afiriyie explained that the late Queen distinguished herself during a period when Wenchi was deeply divided by chieftaincy and political tensions. He said she remained a steady light in challenging times and worked tirelessly to promote unity and development.
According to him, Ohemaa Atoa Ampoforo Twewaa Otosuo Seramangyedua III pushed through cultural, religious, and political barriers to champion the welfare of her people. She also urged political actors to honour their commitments to the community.
Dr. Afiriyie described her as a philosopher and a visionary who valued integrity and was committed to leaving behind a good legacy. He noted that she never misused the little resources available to her and refused to tolerate wrongdoing, even when others fell short of her standards.
He recalled their working relationship during his tenure as MCE from 2017 to 2021, a period marked by heightened chieftaincy disputes. Despite initial doubts from some quarters due to his own royal lineage, he said they forged a strong partnership based on mutual respect and a shared desire for peace.
Dr. Afiriyie highlighted the late Queen Mother’s role in several key development projects, including:
- The construction of a modern Magistrate and High Court Complex
- The €30 million water project
- The development of the Integrated Transport System and the splitting of the Wenchi lorry park
- Works on Wenchi inner roads
- The Wenchi Sports Stadium
- The establishment of Melcom in Wenchi
He said the Queen Mother blended tradition with progress and provided unwavering support for initiatives aimed at transforming the Traditional Area.
“A good woman has gone to rest. She has completed her mission on earth. Wenchiman and the entire Bono Region applaud her years of service and the deep impact she made,” he said.
Dr. Afiriyie expressed gratitude on behalf of the community and assured that her legacy would continue to guide Wenchiman.
“Nana Atoa Ampoforo Twewaa Otosuo Seramangyedua III, fare thee well. Nana da yie,” he concluded.