No more outside engagement for Asantehene until funeral

Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 16 July '99

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is not permitted by Asante tradition and custom to attend or undertake any public engagements outside Asanteman until the final funeral rites of his predecessor, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II have been performed.

A statement issued by the Manhyia Palace and signed by Mr A. S. Y. Andoh, Asantehene's private secretary in Kumasi on Thursday said the Asantehene is in a state of mourning until after that period.

It said this decision by the Asanteman Council "corrects the report at page 12 of the July 15 edition of the Daily Graphic and an announcement on the Garden City Radio (GCR) today".

The two media reported among other things that "the Asantehene cannot appear in public for any function and asked all to kindly take cognisance of this and be guided accordingly".