Kumasi, Ghana, has implemented strict curfews and a complete shutdown from September 14 to 18, 2025, to observe the final funeral rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, mother of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
These measures include bans on other funerals in the Ashanti Region, closures of schools, offices, and businesses, and requirements for residents to remain indoors after nightfall, with traditional enforcers known as Abrafoɔ patrolling streets to ensure compliance.
President John Dramani Mahama is set to attend the rites, which culminate in the Dote Yie ceremonies at Manhyia Palace, while social media users express mixed views on the cultural observance amid concerns over economic impacts and regional issues like illegal mining.
Overview of the Event
Kumasi, the capital of Ghana’s Ashanti Region, is undergoing significant restrictions and a near-total shutdown as part of the final funeral rites for the late Asantehemaa (Queen Mother of the Asante Kingdom), Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
She passed away earlier in 2025 at the age of 98 and served as the 14th Asantehemaa from 2017 until her death. As the sister of the current Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, her funeral is a major cultural and traditional event expected to attract thousands of mourners, dignitaries, and royals from across Ghana and internationally.
The rites emphasize Asante customs, including periods of silence, curfews, and prohibitions on photography or recording to honor the solemnity.The final phase of the funeral, known as the “Dote Yie” rites, is scheduled from September 15 to 18, 2025.
These events are centered at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, with the burial occurring at the royal mausoleum in Breman, followed by interment at Bantama Mausoleum. Given the current date of September 15, 2025, the rites are either underway or beginning today, leading up to the climax on September 18.
Health and Safety Arrangements
To ensure security, smooth proceedings, and adherence to traditions, the Manhyia Palace and local authorities have imposed sweeping measures, effectively “locking down” Kumasi. These include closures of essential services, road blocks, and a mandatory curfew. The directives aim to prevent disruptions, maintain dignity, and manage large crowds. Here’s a breakdown:
| Date/Period | Key Restrictions | Details and Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| September 13, 2025 (Saturday) | City-wide clean-up exercise; Delivery cut-off | A metropolitan clean-up was held to prepare the city. All deliveries to the palace and service providers must be completed by end of day. No further access for non-essential personnel afterward. |
| September 15–17, 2025 (Monday–Wednesday) | Ongoing preparations; Limited access to palace grounds | Mourners begin filing past the remains. Media must obtain accreditation tags; unaccredited personnel are barred from certain areas. Prohibitions on recording devices (e.g., phones, cameras) during filing past to respect customs. Large screens will be set up at strategic palace locations for viewing to avoid overcrowding. |
| September 18, 2025 (Thursday) | Full shutdown of schools, offices, businesses, and markets | Schools, banks, offices, and shops across Kumasi and the Ashanti Region will close. This creates a standstill to facilitate the burial procession and rites. Residents are urged to cooperate to preserve the event’s dignity. |
| September 18, 2025 (Thursday Night) | “Night of Silence” curfew; No human movement or travel | All residents of Asanteman (the Asante Kingdom) must remain indoors from evening onward. No shops open, no travel, and complete silence is required as the remains are transported from Manhyia Palace to Bantama Mausoleum and then to Breman for burial. Violators risk severe consequences, including being “dealt with severely” for taking photos/videos. The curfew ensures no one encounters the procession, per tradition. |
| Throughout Rites (September 15–18) | Road closures and traffic disruptions | Major roads around Manhyia Palace (e.g., those leading to the palace, St. Anne’s Anglican Church Road, Manhyia Government Hospital Road) will be temporarily closed for security. Diversions include routes via Asawase Police Station and Hainako Road. Earlier one-week observances (e.g., August 21) had similar closures, setting a precedent. Police emphasize safety and traffic management. |
These measures are enforced by the Funeral Planning Committee, chaired by Nana Effah Appenteng (Bompatahene), in coordination with the Ashanti Regional Police Command and city authorities. Warnings have been issued against unauthorized fundraising or defiance of rules.Health and Safety ArrangementsTo support the large influx of attendees:
- Mini-clinics will operate at key sites: Manhyia Museum, palace administration area, Asantehemaa’s residence, and Manhyia Government Hospital.
- House-to-house inspections for sanitation are intensified to keep Kumasi clean and filth-free.
- Attendees are advised to eat beforehand, stay hydrated, and avoid accidents. Environmental health officers will monitor compliance.
