‘BAANMU’ MONUMENT IN KUMASI: SACRED BURIAL GROUND OF ASANTE KINGS AND QUEENS

The “Baanmu” monument, located at Breman in Kumasi, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Asante Kingdom. It is the sacred site dedicated to the burial of Asantehene and Asantehemaa, the great Kings and Queens of Asanteman.

It was at this revered ground that the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, is laid to rest. Baanmu is more than a cemetery; it is a cultural sanctuary where centuries-old traditions are preserved through sacred burial rites.

According to Asante custom, the rites performed at Baanmu are not to be witnessed by the public. Out of respect for the sanctity of the process, individuals are strictly prohibited from entering, filming, or attempting to capture any part of the rituals. Elders emphasize that these restrictions are vital to maintaining the secrecy, dignity, and spirituality of the ceremonies.

For the Asante people, Baanmu stands as a powerful reminder of the continuity of their chieftaincy institution, the sacredness of leadership, and the enduring legacy of their royal lineage.