Hundreds of mourners have joined the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace, Kumasi, on the first day of the burial rites (Doteyie) of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
The four-day burial rites, which began on Sunday, September 14, 2025, are expected to attract mourners from all walks of life, both local and international.
The palace is currently flooded with a sea of mourners, clad in black and red clothes with captivating performances by traditional drummers and dancers, as well as dirges by traditional groups.
Nana Konadu Yiadom III, the fourteenth queenmother of Asanteman, died on August 07, 2025, after reigning for eight years on the stool.
She was the elder sister of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Currently, there is a ban on all social activities, including funerals, in Asanteman.
On Thursday, September 18, 2025, which is the burial day of the queen mother, all commercial activities, educational, financial, social and others will be closed to offer residents the opportunity to participate in the funeral activities and honour the memory of the queen mother.
This is to uphold Asante traditions and facilitate a dignified procession past the body of the late Asantehemaa.
Nana Effah Apenteng, Chairman of the Funeral Planning Committee, briefing the media in Kumasi on Friday, September 12, 2025, said on Monday, September 15, 2025, churches, the clergy, political parties, educational institutions, non-government organisations, telecommunications companies, corporate entities, recognised associations and the general public would be expected to commiserate with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and pay their last respects to the late Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
A curfew will also be imposed in the evening of 18th September 2025 in all suburbs where the mortal remains of the queen will pass through to the royal mausoleum (Baamu) at Breman, in the Suame Municipality.
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu, clad in Kuntunkuni with a melancholic temperament, sat in state to receive mourners.
Among the mourners who participated in the first day of the burial rites (Doteyie) were security officers, officials from educational institutions, churches and their leaders, healthcare workers, chiefs and other traditional leaders, traditional priests and priestesses, telecommunication companies, among others.
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, former President of Ghana, was also at the palace to commiserate with the Asantehene.
