Traders and residents in the Ashanti regional capital of Kumasi have said they will ensure full compliance with a directive from Manhyia for commercial activities to be halted today, Thursday, 19 January, for the burial of the late Asantehemaa Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II.
The planning committee for the laying in state and burial of the late Asantehemaa had directed that all shops within the Kumasi metropolis remain closed until after the burial of the late queen mother.
They have also asked residents to stay indoors between the hours of 7pm and 4am as they carry out the necessary rituals as part of the burial.
Some residents, speaking to Class News’ Ashanti regional correspondent Hafiz Tijani, said they would fully comply with the directive.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Education Service in the region has directed that all schools be closed on Thursday.
Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, the mother of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, King of the Asante kingdom, died at the age of 111 after she reigned for 39 years.
Her burial on Thursday will crown the four-day funeral rites.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and former President John Mahama have paid their last respects to the late Asantehemaa.
Apart from them, Vice President Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia and wife Samira , former President John Kufuor, former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan as well as other prominent citizens and outsiders have been paying their respects to the 111-year-old late queen mother.
