Advertisement

Day 2: Asanteman mourns Asantehemaa  (Photos)

Day 2: Asanteman mourns Asantehemaa (Photos)

Many mourners from various parts of the country and beyond converged at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on the second day of the four-day burial rites for the late Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II.

They were at the palace to pay their last respects to the Queen Mother, who reigned for 39 years and died at age 111 in November last year.

As custom demands, this week’s rites, known in Akan as “Doteyie” represents only the burial rites. The final funeral rites would be organised a year later, after the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has enstooled a successor.

“Dote” in Akan refers to soil. Thus ‘Doteyie’ connotes the rites which are being performed before the Queen Mother is interred.

She would be buried on Thursday after a two-hour church service at the Dwabirem at the Manhyia Palace.

The Inspector General of Police, Mr John Kudalor was at the palace on Tuesday to file past the body of the Queen Mother to show his last respects.

A representation from the Catholic Church, led by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kumasi, Most Rev Gabriel Yaw Anokye, and the immediate past president of the Catholic Bishops Conference, Most Rev Joseph Osei Bonsu, who is currently the Bishop of Konongo/Mampong as well as Emeritus Archbishop Akwasi Sarpong were at the palace on Tuesday morning to mourn with Asanteman.

A delegation from the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) was also at the Dwabirem to mourn with Asanteman and the Asantehene, whose biological mother is the Asantehemaa.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PHOTOGRAPHS

The occasion brought to focus the rich culture and custom of Asanteman as cultural displays of various forms are on display.

There was drumming and dancing amidst the firing of muskets.

 

The many fetish priests who poured libation and recited incantations on the first day of lying in state were however absent on the second day.

Chiefs from other parts of the country were also there to pay their last respects to the Queen Mother on the second day of lying in state.

The Dagomba Chief arrived at the Palace at 11:45am.

 

The Dadiesoba Chief, Nana Kofi Atobra, who traditionally is the custodian of guns for the Asantehene together with his warriors were on display firing muskets at various intervals.

Traditionally the Bantamahene, Baafour Owusu Asare Amankwatia VI who is a warlord was disarmed before he got close to the Asantehene. 

The entire occasion has been incident free as of now according to the Ashanti Regional Police Command.

Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mohammed Yusif Tanko who speaks for the police told Graphic Online that no incident has been reported as of now.

He said mourners have been complying with directives from the police especially with regards to traffic control.

The late Queen Mother would lie in state until Thursday when she would be moved to the Bantama Mausoleum (Ban mu) for a brief stopover and later to the Breman Mausoleum (Ban mu) at midnight for interment.

The Asantehene would nominate a successor afterwards and the final funeral rites would be organized a year later.

Writer’s email: [email protected]

Follow on Twitter @enochfrimpong

Connect With Us : 0242202447 | 0551484843 | 0266361755 | 059 199 7513 |