The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has firmly rejected the proposal to include queenmothers in the formal sittings of the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs. Speaking at the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs meeting on December 19, 2025, he emphasized that while queenmothers hold significant authority within Ashanti tradition—especially in selecting chiefs—their role customarily requires them to remain silent in public gatherings.
The proposal, pushed by the National House of Chiefs and supported by the All Regions Queenmothers Association, seeks to establish a Chamber of Queenmothers and grant them seats alongside chiefs to promote gender equity, following the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024.
Otumfuo cautioned that such changes threaten the unique fabric of Asante custom and stressed the importance of respecting traditional distinctions between matrilineal and patrilineal systems. He stated, “Our tradition is that they [queenmothers] offer advice behind closed doors,” and asserted his resolve not to allow modifications that compromise Ashanti culture.
