Schools, markets, offices, and businesses across Kumasi will be shut down on Thursday, September 18, following a directive from the Manhyia Palace as preparations intensify for the final burial rites of Nana Konadu Yiadom III, the late Asantehemaa (Queen Mother of the Ashanti Kingdom).
The move comes as part of an elaborate series of cultural and ceremonial events—known as “Dote Yie”—scheduled to run from September 14 to 18, during which the Palace expects an influx of traditional leaders, political figures, diplomats, and thousands of mourners from Ghana and abroad.
The Funeral Planning Committee, chaired by Nana Efa Apenteng, Omanhene of the Bompata Traditional Area, has announced a wide range of restrictions and logistical protocols aimed at ensuring public order, cultural dignity, and security.
Public Order Measures
Under the directive, all street vending, motorcycle, tricycle, and moped activity will be suspended along major routes leading to the Manhyia Palace. Local authorities have been authorized to tow any vehicles parked illegally within the Palace vicinity beginning Friday, September 14.
“All affected residents are advised to seek alternative parking arrangements to avoid inconvenience,” Nana Efa Apenteng stated. “Deliveries into the Palace must be completed by close of day on Saturday, September 13.”
Security personnel will be deployed to monitor activity throughout the city, and select public spaces—including Central Mosque, Degraft Memorial Methodist Church, and the Asawase Metro Cluster of Schools—have been designated as official parking zones.
Structured Observance by Sector
Attendance at the week-long funeral events has been categorized by sector. Each day is dedicated to specific groups, in what the committee describes as a measure to control crowds and maintain protocol.
Monday, September 15: Religious organizations, political parties, NGOs, corporate institutions, telecoms, and the general public.
Tuesday, September 16: Judiciary, Ghana Armed Forces, police, immigration, customs, state-owned enterprises, and financial institutions.
Wednesday, September 17: House of Chiefs, ministers of state, parliamentarians, municipal and district officials, diplomatic corps.
The final day, Thursday, September 18, will be reserved for the general public as the Queen Mother is prepared for burial at Bremang later that evening. Citizens are strongly urged to remain indoors that night.
Restrictions on Devices and Dress Code
In a further effort to maintain decorum, all recording devices—including mobile phones, cameras, pens with embedded microphones, and other gadgets—are strictly prohibited during the filing past of the late Queen Mother.
Participants, particularly women, are required to remove necklaces and headscarves before approaching the Queen Mother’s remains, in accordance with Ashanti royal tradition.
Nana Efa Apenteng emphasized that no individuals or organizations have been authorized to solicit donations on behalf of the Palace or the funeral committee. “Any such activity should be reported immediately to law enforcement,” he said.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The directive is expected to have a measurable short-term impact on Kumasi’s commercial and public services sectors. However, local officials and cultural leaders have expressed support, emphasizing the importance of the Asantehemaa’s role within the Ashanti sociopolitical structure.
Nana Konadu Yiadom III, who passed away earlier this year, served as a central figure in the Ashanti royal family and held the revered position of Queen Mother, a title that commands influence in both traditional governance and spiritual life in Ghana’s Ashanti Region.
The funeral is expected to draw national attention and may influence ceremonial protocols in future state and royal funerals across the country.
