By Godwin Owusu Frimpong
In a momentous ceremony steeped in tradition, Nana Amonu Gyamfua Serwaa Bonsu I, the newly enstooled Queen Mother of Toase, was officially introduced to His Royal Majesty, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and Her Royal Majesty, Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III, on Monday, February 24, 2025. The prestigious event, held at the Asanteman Council in Kumasi, marked a significant step in her royal journey and solidified her position within the Asante Kingdom.
Nana Amonu Gyamfua Serwaa Bonsu I, formerly known as Madam Victoria Owusu, ascended to the stool on September 30, 2024, following the passing of her predecessor, Nana Adwoa Kyeiwaa Adepa III, in 2023. Her enstoolment by Nana Yim Awere Ababio, the Chief of Toase, and subsequent introduction led by Bantamahene, signifies the culmination of a rigorous selection process and the affirmation of her suitability to lead the women of Toase.
During the presentation, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II offered his blessings and charged Nana Amonu Gyamfua Serwaa Bonsu I to conduct herself with utmost circumspection, acting as a unifying force and embodying the virtues expected of a queen mother. He emphasized that her role transcends a mere title, tasking her to be a pillar of strength and a catalyst for sustainable development within the Toase community and beyond. Dignitaries present echoed this sentiment, encouraging her to leverage her extensive experience and leadership skills to mentor others and drive positive change.
Nana Amonu Gyamfua Serwaa Bonsu I brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Prior to her enstoolment, she served as the General Manager of Adansi Communications Network Ltd (SHAFT FM 98.1) from April 2001 to August 2022, where she oversaw all aspects of station management, including profitability, staffing, and strategic development. Her previous roles include General Manager at Starcom Broadcasting Services (SPIRIT 88.3FM) and Administrative and Traffic Manager at Imperial Broadcasting Company (Kapital 97.1). She also worked as Assistant Project Coordinator at Imperial Broadcasting Company Limited, Managing Director at Fashion Mania Nigeria Limited and Public Relations Officer at Clemdee Chemicals Nigerian Ltd.
Her commitment to community service is further evidenced by her involvement in numerous organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Akrofuom Area Rural Bank and Blessed Height Educational Institute, Executive Member roles with Association of Rural Banks Ashanti Chapter, Child Care Ministry(CHICAM) and Chairperson duties for the Obuasi Consumer Service Committee of Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC). She has been National Coordinator for Subayo Foundation Ghana, Parish Secretary for All Saints Anglican Church, Anyinam, Obuasi and even served as Board Member for Obuasi Anglican Archdeaconry, Projects Committee.
Nana Amonu Gyamfua Serwaa Bonsu I holds a Bachelor of Education (Honours) in English and Education from the University of Ibadan Rivers State College of Education, as well as a Nigeria Certificate of Education from the same institution. Her skills include expertise in Microsoft Office and broadcast software, particularly Audio Vault. She lists her activities as reading, dancing, playing golf, making friends, and listening to music.
The passing of Nana Adwoa Kyeiwaa Adepa III on May 8, 2023, after a remarkable 40-year reign, paved the way for Nana Amonu Gyamfua Serwaa Bonsu I to inherit the mantle of leadership. As she embarks on this new chapter, Nana Amonu Gyamfua Serwaa Bonsu I is expected to usher in an era of progress and prosperity, upholding the rich cultural heritage of Toase while championing development initiatives that will benefit her people for generations to come.
Godwin Owusu Frimpong