Asantehemaa Dɔte Yie: Loud Silence Consumes Kumasi Streets

A loud silence has consumed the streets of Kumasi, which is hosting the final day of the burial rites of the late Queen of the Asante Kingdom, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

Tour of the principal streets, and one word will perfectly fit, “desertion”. This is witnessed in Bohyen, Abrepo, Adum, Kejetia, Tech, Amakom and other places.

Unlike in the past three days when the metropolis was jammed with human and vehicular traffic, today, a few cars are active on roads while all shops have been closed.

You will find a few people on the streets.

Meanwhile, essential service providers, including the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the Ghana Ambulance Service and the Ghana Health Service (GHS), are going about their duties.

This honours the memory of the Queen and paves the way for the smooth observation of the rites.

The final day of the burial rites will witness the laying to rest of the late Asantehemaa, with her ancestors at the royal mausoleum at Breman Abusuakruwa.

Today, Queen will remain in repose until 11 am to make way for a burial service at 3 pm.

The King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is the chief mourner, will lead a procession that will move the remains of the Queen to the Dwabrem grounds of the Manhyia Palace for the burial service.

The rites commenced on Monday, September 15.

It has been joined by various dignitaries, either as groups or individuals, from across the country and beyond to commiserate with Asanteman and the King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

A key point to note is the institution of the restriction on outdoor movement effective 7 pm on September 18 to make way for the burial of Her Majesty.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/