Kumasi gears up for Asantehemaa’s funeral
Preparations are underway for the final funeral rites of the late queen mother of Asanteman, Nana Afia Serwaa Kobi Ampem II.
According to Manhyia Palace, the final funeral for the late mother of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II who passed in November 2016 at age 111 would take place from December1.
Kumasi which is the capital of the Asanteman Council is set to host thousands of Ghanaians and other dignitaries as they bids final farewell to its Queen Mother.
She was enstooled in 1977 as the 13th queen mother of the Asante Kingdom since 1695 after the late Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko II who reigned from 1945 to 1977. She saw the reign of the late Otumfuo Opoku Ware II as Asantehene who reigned from 1970 to 1999.
The sub-committee on Health and Sanitation of the Funeral Committee, in collaboration with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), will today clean up the metropolis as part of preparations for the funeral.
The Aliu Mahama Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, organised a massive clean-up exercise on November 25, 2017, ahead of the funeral.
The Manhyia Palace, which will play host to hundreds of mourners, has been decorated for the event, while the adjoining football field-size grounds, on which almost all outdoor activities will take place, has been mowed.
Just like the burial ceremony, a meticulous programme has been outlined covering security, health and protocol, among others, to ensure the safety and security of all, as well as enable others to witness the rich Ashanti culture.
Among the activities outlined for the two-week event would be performances by traditional priests and priestesses. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II would also sit in state to distribute palm wine and receive messages of condolences, as well as donations from sympathisers. Other activities include fasting, and a thanksgiving service.
Meanwhile, there is a boost in economic activities, particularly in the sale of traditional cloths and sandals.
Source: otecfmghana.com
