A heavy cloud of sorrow has descended upon the Ashanti Kingdom following the passing of Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II.   In accordance with Asante customs, the Mampong Traditional Council and the Bretuo Dynasty have formally informed the Asantehene of this heartbreaking loss during a solemn ceremony at the Manhyia Palace, led by Mamponghemaa, Nana Agyakoma Difie II.Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, born Oswald Gyimah-Kessie on December 31, 1939, died at the age of 86 after 26 years of distinguished service on the Silver Stool.

His reign was marked by wisdom, diplomacy, and a profound commitment to the traditions and progress of Asanteman.

Before his enstoolment, he built a sterling career as a lawyer, economist, and Registrar of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

But it was as Mamponghene, the second-in-command to the Asantehene and the acting guardian of the Golden Stool in the Asantehene's absence, that his leadership left an indelible mark on the Ashanti Region and beyond.