Nana Efua Apiatewa III
N'Guabasun Hemaa of Gomoa Assin Traditional Council, Ghana Konte Hemaa of Nananom of Greater Manchester, UK
Every royal journey begins somewhere. For Nana Efua Apiatewa III, that beginning is rooted in family, identity and the enduring heritage of Gomoa Assin.
She was born in Koforidua in Ghana's Eastern Region to Mary Begyem and David Arthur. Her private name is Diana Ghartey, also known as Efua Atta.
Her heritage follows the matrilineal traditions of the Fante people, with her family roots connected to the royal stool of Gomoa Assin in Ghana's Central Region.
Although born in Koforidua, she was raised in Accra, where the foundations of her character, independence and sense of responsibility began to take shape.
Before the title, there was the heritage. Before the royal responsibility, there was a family and a story deeply connected to Gomoa Assin.
A LIFE IN MOTION
From her early years in Ghana to a life of service across Ghana and the United Kingdom, her journey has been shaped by enterprise, culture, family and an enduring commitment to others.
KOFORIDUA · ACCRA
Born in Koforidua in Ghana's Eastern Region, Nana Efua Apiatewa III was born to Mary Begyem and David Arthur and raised in Accra.
Her Fante heritage is rooted in the royal stool of Gomoa Assin in Ghana's Central Region, connecting her life from its earliest beginnings to the ancestral heritage she would later be called to preserve.
EDUCATION · ENTERPRISE
After completing her education at Burma Camp Schools in 1990, she entered the world of enterprise, beginning with trading at Makola Market in 1991.
Her journey continued through beauty and fashion-related work, including establishing herself as a beautician in 1996 and later working in second-hand clothing at Tema Station in 1999.
GHANA · UNITED KINGDOM
In 2005, she moved to the United Kingdom and continued her professional life as a self-employed beautician.
Alongside her work, she continued developing herself through education, completing Trinity College London English studies in 2010 and Manchester College studies in 2015.
Her life increasingly became a bridge between Ghana and the diaspora — connecting people, culture and generations across two worlds.
ANCESTRY · DUTY · SERVICE
On 17 September 2022, sacred family deliberations and ancestral rituals confirmed her as Atta Kuma Atta Hemaa of Gomoa Assin and N'guabasun Hemaa.
Through ancestral rites and the oath taken upon the Akofena sword of state, together with the presentation of regal cloth and the royal chair, she became Nana Efua Apiatewa III.
Her journey entered a new chapter — not simply as a title, but as a responsibility to preserve heritage, serve community and carry the identity of her people forward.
The journey continues — from heritage inherited to heritage entrusted.
ANCESTRY · DUTY · SERVICE
On 17 September 2022, sacred family deliberations and ancestral rituals confirmed a new chapter in her life.
She was confirmed as Atta Kuma Atta Hemaa of Gomoa Assin and N'guabasun Hemaa, answering a call rooted in family, ancestry and heritage.
Her enstoolment involved ancestral home rites and the taking of an oath upon the Akofena sword of state, alongside the presentation of regal cloth and the apakan, the royal chair.
Through these sacred rites, she became Nana Efua Apiatewa III — Queen Mother and custodian of Gomoa Assin heritage.
Royalty, for Nana Efua Apiatewa III, is not simply a title. It is a responsibility to preserve heritage, serve community and carry the identity of her people forward.
From ancestry came the calling. From the calling came service.
SERVICE · EMPOWERMENT · CULTURE
Her work is rooted in the belief that heritage becomes meaningful when it is shared, protected and placed in the hands of the next generation.
A legacy is not measured only by what is left behind, but by what is made possible for those who come next.
Supporting young girls with access to free schooling and opportunities to develop practical skills for their future.
Creating pathways through practical disciplines including dressmaking, baking, beauty and cosmetology.
Safeguarding traditions, language, festivals, oral histories and the cultural heritage of her people.
Supporting families, young people and community life across Ghana and the Greater Manchester diaspora.
TOWNS & COMMUNITIES
Through her foundation's work in Gomoa Assin, Nana Efua Apiatewa III supports young girls and communities through education and practical disciplines.
To preserve what matters. To empower those who follow. To leave something worthy behind.
HERITAGE · SERVICE · LEGACY
HERITAGE · SERVICE · FUTURE
The journey that brought Nana Efua Apiatewa III into royal service continues through the people, traditions and communities entrusted to her care.
As Queen Mother of Gomoa Assin and Konte Hemaa of Nananom of Greater Manchester, her work reaches across Ghana and the diaspora — preserving what has been inherited while creating opportunities for those who will carry it forward.
Her story is therefore not only one of where she came from, but of what she chooses to do with the responsibility she has received.
What was inherited
is now entrusted.
THE STORY CONTINUES
