A special taskforce on Monday, September 15, 2025, stormed parts of Kumasi to clamp down on traders who defied directives from the Manhyia Palace to suspend trading activities during the final funeral rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II.
The Manhyia Palace had earlier ordered all shops and businesses within the Kumasi metropolis to close as a mark of respect for the late queen mother, whose burial rites are being observed with traditional solemnity.
The objective is to offer an opportunity to all residents to observe the burial of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, and honour her memory.
Furthermore, all mourners wishing to pay their respects to the late Asantehemaa lying in state are advised to refrain from wearing earrings, remove headscarves if they are women, and avoid taking photographs.
This is to uphold Asante traditions and facilitate a dignified procession past the body of the late Asantehemaa.
Nana Effah Apenteng, Chairman of the Funeral Planning Committee, briefing the media in Kumasi on Friday, September 12, 2025, said on Monday, September 15, 2025, churches, the clergy, political parties, educational institutions, non-government organisations, telecommunications companies, corporate entities, recognised associations and the general public would be expected to commiserate with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and pay their last respects to the late Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
Despite this, several traders reportedly kept their stalls open, attracting the attention of security operatives.
Video trending on social media shows the task force moving through areas including Adum, Kejetia, and Bantama, ordering traders to shut down immediately.
Some stalls were locked by force, while others saw their goods seized after repeated refusal to comply.
On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, members of the Judiciary and the Ghana Bar, security agencies, including the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police, Ghana Fire Service, Ghana Prisons, Ghana Immigration Service, customs officials, state-owned enterprises, public officials, financial institutions, and the general public would also have the opportunity to greet Otumfuo.
Nana Effah Apenteng said on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, ministers of state, members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, municipal and district chief executives, non-Ashanti chiefs and representatives from mining companies, along with the general public, would also take their turn.
On Thursday, September 18, 2025, the presidency, former presidents and vice presidents, members of the diplomatic corps, and the general public would be expected to pay their final respects.
Additionally, Nana Appenteng said the public would be required to remain indoors from 1500 hours (3 pm) on September 18, 2025, for the traditional burial procession from Manhyia Palace, through to the Breman Royal Cemetery, until dawn, the following day.
While many residents supported the action, citing the need to uphold tradition, some traders expressed frustration over the loss of revenue, especially as the period coincides with the back-to-school season.
