Manhyia reviews ban on Asantehemaa’s final funeral rites

The Manhyia Palace has reviewed the ban on the final funeral rites of the late Asantemaa Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II.

The Palace on November 2, 2017, imposed a ban on store owners within the central business district preventing them from selling on Monday, December 4 and Tuesday, December 5, 2017.

But addressing Journalists today at the Palace in Kumasi, the Planning Committee in charge of the final funeral rites said store owners can sell their wares on the two days.

However, store owners at Adum, Pampaso and Dr Mensah can only open their stores after the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has returned to the Manhyia Palace from Adum.

On December 4-5, there will be traditional wailing (Ayinam) and firing of musketry (Atrane) from the Manhyia Palace to Adum and back to Manhyia palace by Otumfuo and other traditional rulers.

The Chairman of the Committee, who doubles as the Otumfuo Akyeamehene, Baffour Nsuase Poku Agyemang explained that the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II believes closing down of stores and shops on that day will negatively affect traders most of whom are the breadwinners of their family.

According to him, since December 1, 2017 is Farmers Day which is a holiday, majority of shops and stores owners will not open their stores.

“Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as a father for all told us (the Planning Committee) that December 1, 2017 is public holiday and people will not open their stores and shops. Christmas is just around the corner and we all know that shop and store owners get money during Christmas so ordering the people in Kumasi to close down their stores and shops on Monday, December 4 and Tuesday, December 5 will affect the businesses of the people he rules. All stores and shops can be opened but those who have stores at Adum, Pampaso and Dr Mensah can only open their stores after the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has reached the Manhyia Palace,” he explained.

Osei Kwadwo reported that residents in the Kumasi Metropolis are expected to stay indoors on the night of Saturday, December 9, from 9pm to 2am as a special ceremony will be performed by the Asantehene and Asantehemaa on that night.