Manhyia bans business activities for Asantehemaa’s burial

The Manhyia palace in accordance with the Asante custom has warned residents of Kumasi and its environs to remain indoors between 6pm Thursday the 19th of January and 3am Friday, 20th January as part of the burial rites of the late Asantehemaa.

All shops in Kumasi especially the central business district are also banned from opening and operating on Thursday the 20th of January which is the day set for the burial of the Late Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II.

The Akyeamehene of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Nana Nsuase Opoku Agyemang III at a press conference today entreated residents to also keep all livestock in their various types of housing to prevent them from roaming the streets.

He however entreated residents to adhere to the ban so as to ensure a successful burial rites for the late beloved Queenmother of Asanteman, Nana Afia Kobi Ampem II.

Nana Nsuase Opoku Agyemang III, warned that those who fail to adhere to the ban do so at their own risk.

He revealed that the official wear for the occassion is kuntunkuni or anything black and all mourners should be in cloth except dignitaries whose culture would not permit them to do so.

According to him, media men are expected to also wear only black and acquire accreditation to cover the event.

Arrangements are as follows;

Monday 16th Jan  – Nananom file past to pay last respect
– Otumfuo file past at 11am
– Otumfuo sit to receive sympathizers

Tuesday 17th & Wednesday 18th Jan – Foreign dignitaries file past and
– Otumfuo sits to receive sympathizers Including the foreign dignitaries

Thursday 19th Jan – 11am – Mass at St Cypraints Catholic church.
Then the body of the late Asantehemaa would be conveyed to Bantama where wreaths would be laid.

Source: Odeneho Nana Appiah (otec fm)