The four-day traditional burial rite, known as Dote Yie, for the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom, commenced this morning in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital.
Public viewing and filing past of the remains began at 5:00 a.m. at the Manhyia Palace and will continue daily until 5:00 p.m. through Thursday, September 18. On the final day, however, viewing will end at 11:00 a.m. to make way for the burial service.
Today, political parties, educational institutions, religious groups, recognized associations, and members of the general public are scheduled to pay their last respects.
As tradition dictates, women filing past the body must refrain from wearing jewellery, earrings, headgear, or flip-flops, while men are required to remove their sandals before entry.
The rites officially began last night with cultural performances by traditional priests and priestesses, which continued until dawn when public viewing commenced.
Security, health, and protocol measures have been reinforced to ensure safety, orderliness, and emergency support throughout the ceremony. Vehicular access to the Manhyia Palace has been heavily restricted, with shuttle buses and other transport arrangements provided from designated pick-up points to ease congestion.
On Thursday, the final day, dignitaries including the President and his appointees, former Presidents, the former Vice President, the Chief Justice and members of the judiciary, the Speaker of Parliament and MPs, as well as other key state officials, will have their turn to pay homage. The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will sit in state to receive them.
At midnight on Thursday, the late Asantehemaa will be interred at the Breman Royal Mausoleum.
As part of the final honours, all schools and trading activities in Kumasi have been directed to close on Thursday in respect of the late 14th Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom, who reigned for eight years after succeeding her mother, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem, in 2016.
