The city of Kumasi has effectively shut down today (September 18) as businesses, banks, and schools close their doors in a mark of respect for the final burial rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
The directive, issued by the Manhyia Palace, has brought Ghana’s second-largest city to a halt, underscoring the deep reverence and power of Asante traditions.
The closure marks the climax of the four-day ‘Dote Yie’ (traditional burial rites), which officially began on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
The funeral has drawn tens of thousands of mourners and high-profile dignitaries from across Ghana and the diaspora.
A City in Mourning
Per a Manhyia Palace directive, all banks, schools, and public institutions in Kumasi and its environs are closed.
A curfew has also been imposed on the night of Thursday, September 18, during which residents are required to remain indoors as the Asantehemaa’s remains are transported to the royal mausoleum at Breman for burial.
The final day of the rites is reserved for the highest echelons of society to pay their respects, including the Presidency, former Presidents and Vice Presidents, and the Diplomatic Corps.
Throughout the week, the funeral proceedings have been a showcase of rich Asante pageantry and solemn dignity. On Monday, September 15, the palace received delegations from churches, political parties, educational institutions, NGOs, and corporate bodies.
This was followed on Tuesday by the Judiciary, Ghana Bar Association, and security services, and on Wednesday by Ministers of State and Members of Parliament.
A Legacy of Wisdom
Born Nana Ama Konadu in 1927 at the sacred Benyaade Shrine in Merdan, Kwadaso, the late Asantehemaa was the eldest sister of the current Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. She passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the age of 97, after an eight-year reign.
Her legacy is one of maternal wisdom, cultural stewardship, and unifying leadership. Tributes have poured in, celebrating her deep commitment to tradition, women’s empowerment, and cultural preservation. Her passing has been described as a monumental loss to the Asante Kingdom, and her burial rites are a final and fitting tribute to a revered Queenmother whose life embodied the highest ideals of service and heritage.
Security and Logistics
The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, in collaboration with the Manhyia Palace, has implemented strict security protocols to ensure order.
Essential workers in sectors such as healthcare, security, and utilities have been required to carry valid identification and wear official uniforms. Vehicular movement has been severely restricted around the Manhyia Palace, with special transport services provided to convey mourners to and from designated points to avoid congestion.
These comprehensive measures demonstrate the enduring influence of traditional authority in Ghana, as a major city willingly sacrifices economic activity for a day to observe a deeply significant royal custom.
The following video shows the beginning of the four-day traditional burial rites for the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
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