The Manhyia Palace has directed that all schools, banks, shops, markets, and commercial centers in the Kumasi Metropolis remain closed on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
This means all social activities are expected to stay on hold as series of rituals are performed to bid the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, a farewell.
Thousands of mourners are expected to join the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in the Ashanti Region for the royal burial rites.
The main rituals are scheduled to begin on Sunday, September 14,2025, and continue through to Thursday, September 18,2025.
The final burial rites will be performed on the night of the September 18,2025, during which residents are expected to remain indoors.
Additionally, all shops and markets within Kumasi metropolis and parts of the Ashanti Region will be closed on the day of the final ritual rites.
The Chairman of the planning committee for the funeral and Paramount Chief of Bompata Traditional Council, Nana Effah Apenteng, encouraged residents to adhere to the directives, stressing that the cultural significance of the funeral and the need to uphold Asante Traditions with dignity and reverence.
He explained that the closure is meant to honor the memory of the late Asantehemaa and allow residents to participate fully in the solemn rites.
Nana Apenteng, revealed that, the palace has directed the suspension of all commercial activities on that day.
On the final day, the body of the late Asantehemaa will be moved from the Manhyia Palace’s Dwaberem to the Bantama Royal Mausoleum for ceremonial rites, later to Breman Royal Mausoleum for burial.
As part of Traditions, people in Kumasi are expected to observe an indoor curfew beginning at 7pm on Thursday, September 18,2025, which will last until 4am the following day, Friday, September 19,2025.
This, the Palace Officials, say is a sacred period to ensure a peaceful transition for the revered late Asantehemaa.
The late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, served as Asantehemaa from 2017 until her demise in 2025 at the age of 98.
