The man behind the official obituary portrait of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, has been revealed as Ghanaian documentary photographer, Paul Addo.
The striking image was taken on June 26, 2025, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, during the visit of Eswatini’s King Mswati III to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene.
Less than seven weeks later, on August 11, 2025, Otumfuo officially announced the passing of the revered Queen Mother of the Ashanti Kingdom.
Recalling the moment he captured the now-iconic portrait, Addo shared: “I paused to rest my feet when I noticed an all-women group singing and dancing. I took a picture of them, and through a small opening, I suddenly spotted Nana Konadu Yiadom III. I moved closer, and there she was—radiant and smiling beautifully.
“I bowed to seek permission to photograph her, and with the slightest nod, she agreed. It was a truly beautiful one-to-two-minute session in front of the great Asantehemaa.”
Paul Addo is celebrated for his work documenting Ghana’s culture, people, and traditions. His photography spans festivals, royalty, and everyday life, with the aim of preserving history and projecting Ghana’s heritage to the world.
The portrait of Nana Konadu Yiadom III now stands as both a historic and cultural treasure—immortalising her grace for generations to come.
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