Asantehemaa burial: Stay indoors – Chiefs warn

The planning committee in-charge of the funeral of the Asantehemaa has cautioned the general public to adhere to the traditions of the Asante Kingdom as they prepare to bid the queen mother a farewell.

The committee has slated Thursday January, 19 as the day for the laying in state and burial of Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II who died at the age of 109 after she reigned for 39 years.

According to the committee, the ban on noise making, drumming and funerals is still in session until after the final funeral rites of the Asantehemaa.

Chief Linguist of the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Nana Nsuase Poku Agyemang III who outlined preparations ahead of the burial in a press conference in Kumasi on Friday January 6 warned the public and residents of Kumasi to stay indoors between the hours of 8pm and 4am on Thursday January, 19 to allow them carry out the burial.

He warned that anyone who fails to heed the directive will have themselves to blame.

Nana Poku Agyemang III directed that, all shops within the Kumasi metropolis must remained closed until after the burial on the said date. He also cautioned persons who will be attending the ceremony to go strictly by the dress code which is black and devoid of any political party colours.