Back in 2006, the second edition of the Yaa Asantewaa Festival was officially launched at the Centre for National Culture (CNC) in Kumasi. The festival honored the remarkable legacy of Nana Yaa Asantewaa, the Queen Mother of Ejisu, who led one of the most significant acts of resistance against British colonial rule in 1900.
Held annually from August 1st to 5th, the festival was a powerful reminder of Yaa Asantewaa’s leadership in the famous War of the Golden Stool, when she mobilized over 20,000 Ashanti warriors to protect the sacred symbol of Ashanti unity and sovereignty.
The CNC organized the event under the auspices of the Golden Stool Heritage Foundation at Manhyia Palace, and over the years, it became a vibrant and deeply respected fixture on Ghana’s national cultural calendar.
The Yaa Asantewaa Festival offered a diverse program of cultural and educational events that brought communities together and attracted visitors from across Ghana and beyond. Key activities included:
A marathon from Ejisu to Kumasi, celebrating endurance and unity
A women’s football gala, promoting female empowerment through sport
A vigil in Ejisu to honor Ghana’s historical heroes and heroines
A trade fair and cooking arts showcase, featuring local crafts and cuisine
A pilgrimage to Sreso-Tinpom, the village that once sheltered Yaa Asantewaa
An academic colloquium at KNUST focused on her legacy and African history
A mock battle reenactment at Kumasi Fort, bringing the 1900 war to life
A durbar of Queen Mothers and women’s organizations
An awards night celebrating outstanding women in leadership and service
Traditional music and dance performances
A thanksgiving service in Ejisu
These events not only honored the bravery of Yaa Asantewaa but also promoted women’s roles in leadership, unity among ethnic groups, and cultural pride.
During the 2006 launch, Professor (Mrs.) Akosua Addy, a senior lecturer at KNUST, urged young women to let Yaa Asantewaa’s legacy inspire them to pursue excellence and leadership in society. She emphasized that the festival would serve as a permanent platform for cultural education and empowerment.
Nana Yaa Asantewaa II, then Queen Mother of Ejisu, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Asante Kingdom for preserving and celebrating the memory of her legendary predecessor. She noted that such recognition would inspire younger generations of women to reach new heights in their chosen paths.
Nana Serwah Amponsah, Queen Mother of Kumawu, added that beyond being a tourist attraction, the festival offered a rare opportunity to foster unity among Asantes and Ghanaians, reminding all of their shared history and strength.
As of 2025, the Yaa Asantewaa Festival remains one of Ghana’s most culturally significant events—one that honors not only the heroism of one woman, but the enduring spirit of a people.
Through this festival, Yaa Asantewaa's courage continues to inspire educators, historians, feminists, artists, and political leaders across Africa and the world. Her story lives on—not just in textbooks or museums, but in the hearts of those who continue to celebrate her legacy each year.
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