The Ashanti Kingdom is preparing to bid farewell to the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, with elaborate funeral rites set to begin on Monday, September 15, and conclude on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
As part of the arrangements, all schools, offices, banks, and commercial activities within the Kumasi metropolis will be suspended on Thursday, September 18, to allow the city to observe the final rites in honour of the revered queenmother, who passed away at the age of 98.
Programme Outline
Ambassador Nana Effah Appenteng, Chairman of the Funeral Planning Committee and Paramount Chief of Bompata, outlined the official programme at a media briefing on Friday, September 12, 2025.
- Monday, September 15 – Churches, clergy, political parties, NGOs, corporate institutions, recognised associations, and members of the public will take part in the filing past.
- Tuesday, September 16 – The Judiciary, Ghana Bar Association, security services, state-owned enterprises, financial institutions, and the public are scheduled to attend.
- Wednesday, September 17 – Ministers of state, members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, MMDCEs, non-Ashanti chiefs, mining companies, and the public will file past.
- Thursday, September 18 – The final day will be graced by President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, alongside former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as well as former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and his spouse Samira Bawumia. Members of the diplomatic community and thousands of mourners are also expected.
Daily filing past will run from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Wednesday, with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II sitting in state from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. On Thursday, filing past ends at 11 a.m., followed by the burial service at Dwabrem, Manhyia Palace.
Customs and Restrictions
Mourners are expected to observe strict cultural protocols. Women will not be permitted to wear headgear or jewellery during the rites, and photography or videography is strictly prohibited.
Ambassador Effah Appenteng warned that anyone caught defying the ban on taking pictures or videos of the Asantehemaa will face severe consequences, stressing:
“We urge everyone to abide by the rules governing the rites in honour of the Asantehemaa.”
He further directed residents to remain indoors on Thursday night as the body of the queenmother is transported from the Bantama Mausoleum (Ban mu) to Breman for burial.
Media Access
The committee also announced that only accredited media personnel will be permitted in designated areas, while giant screens will be mounted at strategic points within the Manhyia Palace to allow mourners to follow proceedings.
With Kumasi set to fall silent in accordance with tradition, the funeral of Nana Konadu Yiadom III is expected to draw thousands of mourners and dignitaries, reaffirming the deep reverence and respect accorded the Asantehemaa in Asanteman.
Source – My News Ghana
