All educational institutions in the Kumasi metropolis will be closed on Thursday, September 18, 2025, in observance of the funeral rites for the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III. On Thursday night, all residents of Asanteman are required to remain indoors while the late Asantehemaa is laid to rest at the royal mausoleum in Breman, Kumasi.
As decreed by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Kumasi and the wider Asanteman will observe a period of silence in accordance with Asante customs and traditions. The interment marks the conclusion of four days of Dote Yie (burial rites) for the 14th Asantehemaa, who passed away at the age of 98.
In addition, all offices, including banks and financial institutions, will be closed on Thursday. There will also be no commercial activities in Kumasi, as all shops will be closed.
The elaborate program for the funeral rites of the late queen mother was announced by Ambassador Nana Effah Appenteng, Chairman of the Funeral Planning Committee, during a media briefing on Friday, September 12, 2025. The funeral rites will take place over four days, starting on Monday, September 14, and concluding on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
Filing past the queen mother will occur from Monday to Wednesday, with hours set from 5 AM to 5 PM each day. During this period, Otumfuo Osei Tutu will also sit in state from 12 PM to 5 PM. On Thursday, September 18, filing past will begin at 5 AM and end at 11 AM, followed by the burial service at Dwabrem at the Manhyia Palace.
All mourners and visitors wishing to pay their respects to the queen mother are expected to do so with the utmost respect and dignity. Additionally, women are not permitted to wear headgear or jewelry during the proceedings.
Monday
On Monday, September 15, 2025, institutions and personalities such as churches, clergy, political parties, educational institutions, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), corporate institutions, all recognised associations and members of the general public are expected to grace the occasion.
Tuesday
On Tuesday, the Judiciary, Ghana Bar Association, the various security agencies, state-owned enterprises and public officials, financial institutions and the general public will be in attendance.
Wednesday
Wednesday has been reserved for ministers of state, diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, metropolitan, municipal, and district chief executives, non-Ashanti chiefs, mining companies and firms, and the general public.
Thursday
Thursday will be the final day for the funeral rites for the Asantehemaa and will be graced by President John Dramani Mahama and his Vice, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawuima and his spouse, Samira Bawumia. Also in attendance will be members of the diplomatic corps and the general public.
Caution
the Chairman of the Funeral Planning Committee, Ambassador Nana Effah Appenteng at the media briefing advised that people to stay indoors throughout the night on Thursday, September 18 at a time the late Asantehemaa will be transported to the Bantama Mausolem (Ban mu) then to Breman Mausoleum for burial.
Similarly, he cautioned mourners against taking photographs while filing past the Asantehemaa as such act would be against the custom and tradition of Asanteman, saying “we urge everyone to abide by the rules governing the rites in honour of the Asantehemaa”. Also, he warned that whoever will be caught defying the directive by taking videos and pictures of the Asantehemaa will be dealt with severely.
Accreditation
Further, he entreated the media to get their accreditation tags to enable them to have easy access to designated places and further warned that unaccredited media practitioners will not be entertained at certain sections at the grounds. Nana Effah Appenteng, who is also the Paramount Chief of the Bompata Traditional Area, announced that large screens will be mounted at strategic locations within the Palace to enable everyone to catch a glimpse of the event and to prevent mourners from loitering about at the venue.
Writer’s email: gilbert.agbey@graphic.com.gh.
Source: Gilbert Mawuli Agbey
