Asantehemaa's Funeral Rites: Sacred Children of Tepa Banie Make an Appearance at Manhyia Palace
- Children bearing the sacred Tepa Banie Adehye mark participated in the final funeral rites of Nana Konadu Yiadom III
- They wore white attire, symbolising their sacred status, during the funeral at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi
- The children performed a spiritual role, shaking hands with Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in a cultural ceremony
The children of the Tepa Banie ancestral deity were warmly welcomed at the Dote Yie of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
Source: Twitter
In a video spotted by YEN.com.gh, the children, distinguished by their sacred Tepa Banie Adehye mark, participated in the final funeral rites held at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
The event marked the conclusion of a week-long mourning period from September 14 to September 18, 2025. It, of course, drew in thousands of mourners and dignitaries who left their comfort zones to pay their last respects to the late Asante monarch.
Asantehemaa Funeral: Tepa Banie's children at Manhyia
Their presence at the funeral, however, was not just to express their condolences. They also performed a unique spiritual role, in line with the Ghanaian culture, particularly among the Ashanti people.
As seen in the video, they were all clad in white attire and regalia. This was a privilege granted due to their sacred status and connection to the spirit world. With their attire, they stood out amidst the sea of mourners who were traditionally dressed in black and red.
Their white clothing, a deviation from the customary mourning colours, served as a reminder of their revered position and the belief that their purity and spiritual connection warrant special recognition, even in times of grief.
Each of the children went up in a row to shake hands with Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Asantehene was seated honourably as he gave each of the children a handshake, and they also raised their legs as a spiritual remark.
Their distinct birthmarks are recognised as a sacred gift that signifies answered prayers from the deity and represent purity.
Watch the moment in the video below:
Tepa Banie's children charm at Asantehamaa's funeral
YEN.com.gh collected reactions from Ghanaians who watched the moment on X. Some of the comments are below.
@theJonathanMUFC wrote:
"Culture is beautiful."
@adofonom said:
"Looks more genetic than spiritual, though."
@i_RemedyGh said:
"This is my favourite part of the culture tho. These individuals are so special, you have no idea."
@Nana_Limahunter wrote:
"The way I’m seeing different cultures, it shows we have a lot to show the world,"
@AccraMarke22279 commented:
"Dem no allow the self-acclaimed so-called Igbo king to greet Otumfuo lol."
Source: Twitter
Kyeame embarrasses Igbo King at Manhyia Palace
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the Igbo King in Ghana was stopped from greeting Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at Asantehemaa’s funeral.
A viral TikTok video showed Otumfuo’s linguist blocking him as he attempted to greet the king as others had done.
Social media users expressed support for the linguist's move, given how many disapprove of the self-styled leader.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
