[ 2017-01-19 ]

The late Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II

Final burial rites for Asantehemaa today
The Kumasi metropolis will be without commercial
activities today, as businesses are expected to
grind to a halt to pave way for the smooth burial
of the Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem
II.

All schools in the metropolis will also be closed
down for the day. A January 16, 2017 letter,
signed by the acting Deputy Director-General of
Ghana Education Service (GES), Mrs Felicia
Boakye-Yiadom, said the closure was to ensure the
smooth burial of the late queenmother and in
compliance with the measures put in place by the
Manhyia Palace.

It expressed its condolences to the Asantehene,
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and the entire Asanteman.

The late Asantehemaa died in her sleep in November
last year at the age of 111.

Although today is not a national holiday, the
Kumasi metropolis, particularly the central
business district (CBD), Bantama and Bremang, will
experience a ‘localised’ holiday, as most
businesses within those areas will not open.

The body of the late Asantehemaa will be moved
from the Dwabirem of the Manhyia Palace after the
burial service to the Bantama Royal Mausoleum
before being sent to the Breman Royal Mausoleum
for burial in the evening.

The directive from the Manhyia Palace to residents
of the metropolis is for them to remain indoors
after 7 p.m. till 4 a.m. the following day.

Banks

Some banks and financial institutions have
declared the day a non-working day for their staff
and have, accordingly, informed their clientele
about the decision.

So far, uniBank and The Royal Bank have sent text
messages to their customers that they will not
open for business today.

The St Peter’s Credit Union, one of the leading
credit unions in Kumasi, has also decided to close
its doors to business and allow its staff and
customers to pay their last respects to the
departed queenmother and also prevent the workers
from being caught up in the closure announced by
the Manhyia Palace.

Market

Although the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA)
has not taken any decision to close the Kumasi
Central Market, most of the traders have decided
not to go to the market.

Some of the market women told this reporter that
they would not go to the market today as they
mourned with the Manhyia Palace.

Besides, some said it would afford them the
opportunity to rest from their daily toils.

Sheer numbers

The sheer number of mourners who have thronged the
Manhyia Palace to mourn with the Royal Family has
compelled the latter to change the venue for the
burial mass scheduled for the St Cyprian’s
Anglican Cathedral.

Instead, the burial service will be held at the
Manhyia Dwabirem, with giant screens mounted at
vantage points to enable those who may not have
access to the venue to view proceedings.

Since Monday, hundreds of mourners from far and
near have been pouring into the Manhyia Palace to
commiserate with the Asantehene and the Royal
Family.

Source - Graphic.com.gh

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