Business and social activities in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, have been suspended today in reverence for the late Asantehemaa, Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III, as Asanteman bids her a final farewell.
The Manhyia Palace, the official seat of the Ashanti Kingdom, has ordered the ban to allow a befitting burial for the Queen.
The directive forms part of the final day of a four-day funeral period known in Asante tradition as “Dote Yie.”
Announcing the directive ahead of the funeral, the Bompata Paramount Chief, Nana Effah-Apenteng, who also chairs the Asantehemaa Funeral Planning Committee, explained that the lockdown was a minimal sacrifice to honour the life and legacy of the Queen.
“The ban on business activities is the least that the residents of the Ashanti Regional capital could do to honour their late Queen,” he told the media last week.
Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III, who passed away on August 7, 2025, at the age of 98, was a sister of the Asantehene and a central figure in the Ashanti royal court. Her death marked the end of a long reign during which she served as custodian of tradition and mother of the kingdom.
Schools and Banks Close
As part of the restrictions, institutions considered non-essential, including schools and banks, have halted operations. Notices from financial institutions circulated widely ahead of today’s ceremony. Standard Chartered Bank confirmed that its Harper Road and KNUST branches in Kumasi would be closed today, reopening tomorrow.
Data Bank similarly announced the closure of its Kumasi branch, while Access Bank assured customers of continued service through its digital channels during the lockdown.
Schools also suspended classes. Circulars from various head teachers directed that students close early on Wednesday, September 17, and remain at home today, with classes scheduled to resume tomorrow.
Hospitals, security agencies, and commercial transport services, however, have been exempted from the restrictions, ensuring that essential services remain available during the day.
Three Days of Mourning
Today’s final burial rites bring to a close three days of mourning and remembrance in Kumasi.
In the days leading up to the funeral, chiefs, royals, traditional priests, and ordinary citizens converged at the Manhyia Palace to pay their respects.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is the chief mourner, sat in state to receive sympathies from mourners.
The solemn period was marked by drumming, traditional dirges, and sacred rituals underscoring the cultural weight of the occasion.
Dignitaries from across the country and beyond, including political leaders, traditional rulers, clergy, and members of the diplomatic corps, filed past the royal court to console the Asantehene and honour the late Queen.
President Joins Final Farewell
Among those expected at the final funeral today is President John Dramani Mahama, who will lead a government delegation to the Manhyia Palace for the burial service.
Former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, along with former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, are also anticipated to join the solemn ceremony.
The service will further be attended by religious leaders from across the country, who will lead prayers for the eternal rest of Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III.
Night Curfew in Kumasi
In addition to the day-long suspension of business, residents of Kumasi have been instructed to remain indoors tonight.
According to Nana Effah-Apenteng, there will be a strict ban on movement of people and vehicles as the Queen’s body is carried in procession from the Manhyia Palace to the Asante Royal Mausoleum at Breman for interment.
He explained that the curfew is in line with centuries-old Asante tradition, which demands that no one be seen outside when a Queen is taken to her final resting place.
“Kumasi should virtually be turned into a ghost town tonight as the Queen journeys home,” he declared, urging strict compliance.
A Revered Legacy
The passing of Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III has drawn an outpouring of grief across the Ashanti Kingdom. She is remembered not only for her position as sister to the Asantehene, but also for her wisdom, dignity, and unwavering commitment to Asante custom.
Nana Konadu Yiadom III succeeded the late Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II in 2017, and she reigned as Asantehemaa for eight years before passing away in 2025.
The late Asantehemaa was the 14th Asante Queen. She was the first child of the five children of Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as the fifth child.
Nana Konadu Yiadom’s reign has been described by many, including Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as very successful and eventful, which is full of significant and memorable feats.
For instance, the late Queen has been widely hailed and praised for serving as a loving and accommodating Queen, who also acted as a mother for all without any discrimination.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah, Kumasi