The Manhyia Palace, the seat of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has declared Thursday, September 18, 2025, a day of closure for all commercial and public activities within the Kumasi Metropolis. This directive, issued in honor of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, mandates the closure of schools, banks, shops, markets, and all commercial centers. The decision underscores the immense cultural significance of the Asantehemaa within the Ashanti Kingdom and the profound respect accorded to her memory. The closure aims to facilitate the full participation of Kumasi residents in the final funeral rites, demonstrating their reverence for the departed queen mother and upholding the rich traditions of the Ashanti people. This day of closure represents a collective act of mourning and a testament to the significant role the Asantehemaa played during her reign.
The announcement of the closure, delivered by Ambassador Nana Effah Apenteng, Chairman of the Funeral Planning Committee and Paramount Chief of the Bompata Traditional Area, emphasizes the importance of adhering to the Palace’s directives. The suspension of all commercial activity is not merely a logistical measure but a deeply symbolic gesture, signifying the profound impact of the Asantehemaa’s passing on the entire community. It represents a pause in daily life, allowing residents to focus solely on honoring the late queen mother and participating in the culturally significant rituals that mark her transition. The Palace’s emphasis on strict adherence underscores the sanctity of these traditions and the expectation of communal respect for the departed Asantehemaa.
The final funeral rites for Nana Konadu Yiadom III, spanning four days from September 15th to 18th, 2025, culminate in a series of solemn ceremonies on the final day. The procession of the Asantehemaa’s remains will begin at the Manhyia Palace’s Dwabirem and proceed to the Bantama Royal Mausoleum for ceremonial rites. The final resting place for the late queen mother will be the Breman Royal Mausoleum, where she will be interred following the completion of the traditional rites. This carefully orchestrated procession, moving through significant locations within the Ashanti Kingdom, symbolizes the Asantehemaa’s journey and her ultimate return to the ancestral grounds. Each stage of the procession holds deep cultural meaning, reflecting the reverence and respect accorded to the departed queen mother.
Adding to the solemnity of the occasion, the Palace has decreed an indoor curfew for Kumasi residents, commencing at 7 p.m. on Thursday evening and concluding at 4 a.m. the following day. This period of quiet reflection and introspection allows the community to honor the Asantehemaa’s spirit and ensure a peaceful transition in accordance with Ashanti traditions. The curfew symbolizes a period of communal mourning and spiritual contemplation, allowing residents to connect with the significance of the Asantehemaa’s passing on a deeper level. The quietude of the curfew provides a space for individual and collective reflection on the legacy of the departed queen mother.
Nana Konadu Yiadom III reigned as Asantehemaa from 2017 until her passing in 2025 at the age of 98. Her tenure as queen mother marked a significant period in the history of the Ashanti Kingdom. She succeeded her mother, Nana Afia Serwaa Kobi Ampem II, and served as a vital link between generations, embodying the wisdom and traditions of the Ashanti people. As the biological sister of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, her role extended beyond ceremonial duties; she held a position of influence and authority within the royal family and the broader community. Her long life and reign provided stability and continuity to the Ashanti Kingdom, making her passing a significant moment of transition.
The closure of Kumasi and the meticulously planned funeral rites for Nana Konadu Yiadom III demonstrate the profound respect and reverence the Ashanti people hold for their traditions and their departed queen mother. The four-day observance, culminating in the final day of closure and curfew, serves as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of Ashanti culture and the significant role the Asantehemaa played in upholding its values. The collective mourning and adherence to traditional protocols underscore the unity and cultural richness of the Ashanti Kingdom, showcasing their enduring commitment to honoring their history and their leaders. The funeral rites not only mark the passing of a revered figure but also serve as a powerful affirmation of Ashanti identity and cultural continuity.
