Educational institutions, banks, corporate offices, and businesses in Kumasi will shut down on Thursday, September 18, to allow for the final burial rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
The directive, announced by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Nana Effah Appenteng, applies exclusively to the Kumasi metropolis.
“On that day, no one should do business. It’s not just shops but schools, banks, and offices. Customs must be upheld,” he said at a press briefing.
The closure coincides with the final day of the four-day funeral rites, during which the Queen Mother will be taken to Bantama and later laid to rest at Breman Baamu.
A ban on outdoor movement will also take effect that evening to ensure a solemn and peaceful burial.
Sequence of Attendance
The Committee outlined the order of attendance for filing past the body at Manhyia Palace:
Monday, Sept. 15: Churches and clergy, political parties, educational institutions, NGOs, telecom companies, corporate institutions, recognized associations, and the public.
Tuesday, Sept. 16: Judiciary and Ghana Bar Association, security agencies including the GAF, Police, Fire Service, Prisons, Immigration, Customs, SOEs, public officials, financial institutions, and the public.
Wednesday, Sept. 17: National House of Chiefs, Regional Houses of Chiefs, ministers of state, diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, MCEs, DCEs, and the public.
Thursday, Sept. 18: The Presidency, former presidents and vice presidents, diplomatic corps, and the public.
Filing past will run daily from 5:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except Thursday, when it will close earlier to allow for the burial service.
Protocols and Restrictions
Mourners have been reminded to respect cultural customs: women must remove headscarves before entering the viewing area, and photography of the body is strictly prohibited.
Chiefs across Asanteman are required to wear black cloth (kuntunkuni) and be present from September 16 to 18, when the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will sit in state to receive dignitaries.
Designated car parks have been arranged at Manhyia Melcom, Antoa Station, the Central Mosque, Degraft Memorial Methodist Church, and Asawase Metro Cluster of Schools, with shuttle services to transport guests to the palace.
Media and Public Guidance
The Committee urged journalists to publish only information sanctioned by Manhyia Palace and to operate within authorized zones.
“For your safety and convenience, please stick to authorised zones during the event,” Nana Effah cautioned.
The public has also been instructed to avoid restricted areas at the palace and refrain from unnecessary movement on the grounds. Five medical emergency posts will be available to assist mourners in need.
Accreditation
According to Oheneba Yaw Okyere, Royal Ambassador of the Manhyia Palace, accreditation cards for the media and other stakeholders will be ready for collection on Saturday, September 13, between 10 a.m. and 12 noon at the palace secretariat.
The four-day rites will begin on Monday, September 15, and conclude with the Queen Mother’s burial on Thursday, September 18.
Source: Kumasi Mail
