The four-day traditional burial rites, ‘Dote Yie’, for the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom, commenced this morning in Kumasi.
Public viewing of the Queen Mother’s remains at the Manhyia Palace began at 5 a.m. and will continue daily until 5 p.m. through Thursday, September 18. On the final day, however, viewing will close at 11 a.m. to make way for the burial service.
Today’s schedule is dedicated to political parties, educational institutions, religious groups, professional associations, and members of the general public. In line with Asante tradition, women filing past the body are required not to wear jewellery, earrings, headgear, or flip-flops, while men must remove their sandals before paying their respects.
The rites began Sunday night with cultural performances by traditional priests and priestesses from across Asanteman. Security, medical, and protocol arrangements have been put in place to ensure safety and orderliness, with vehicular access to the Manhyia Palace restricted. Shuttle services have been provided to ease movement and reduce congestion.
On Thursday, dignitaries including the President, former Presidents, the Chief Justice, the Speaker of Parliament, Members of Parliament, and other state officials will pay their last respects, with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, sitting in state to receive homage.
The late Nana Konadu Yiadom, who reigned as the 14th Asantehemaa for eight years, will be laid to rest at the Breman Royal Mausoleum at midnight on Thursday. As part of the final honours, schools and trading activities in Kumasi have been ordered to close.
She succeeded her biological mother, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem, who passed in November 2016.
