After shutdown for Asantehemaa’s funeral: Economic activities bounce back in Kumasi

Commercial and economic activities within the Kumasi metropolis resumed yesterday following the interment of the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

Ahead of the Asantehemaa's burial last Thursday, Manhyia Palace ordered the closure of shops, offices and schools in line with Asante custom and tradition to pave the way for the queenmother's burial at the Breman Royal Mausoleum.

Following the decree, the entire Kumasi metropolis went dead silent, bringing all economic activities to a halt due to strict compliance by the residents.

The usual busy atmosphere witnessed daily,  particularly at Adum and Kejetia markets, was virtually missing.

Silent streets

The entire streets leading to Kejetia, Adum, through to Asafo, to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology were without any commercial activity.

 Vehiicular traffic within the city  and on some outskirts of Kumasi signalling return to activities

Similarly, all other commercial areas within the metropolis were empty without any business activity.

Although transport operators were exempted from the directive, they were forced not to operate since there were no passengers for them to transport.

Similarly, restaurants and other eateries that were also not part of the restriction were compelled not to operate since their clients stayed indoors. 

Activities back

A few hours after the burial of Nana Konadu Yiadom III, traders and business owners were back in their shops for their usual commercial activities.

Some residents at  Tech Junction in Kumasi, boarding vehicles to their various destinations, as economic activities in Kumasi resume after the funeral of the late Asantehemaa,  Nana Konadu Yiadom III  PICTURES: EMMANUEL BAAH

During a visit by the Daily Graphic to the Central Business District yesterday, traders and buyers were doing brisk business.

Some traders were busy plying their trade in a bid to make up for their inability to engage in any commercial activity due to the closure of shops last Thursday.

The entire stretch of Adum, Kejetia market, Blue Light area through to Alabar and Asafo experienced their usual heavy vehicular and human traffic.

Traders selling along the streets were spotted engaging in their usual act of screaming to catch the attention of potential buyers.

Traders speak

A second-hand clothing seller, Kwame Adofo, said he was happy to be back in business, as it was his only source of livelihood.

He noted that although the closure of shops last Thursday negatively affected him, he welcomed it since it was in honour of the Asantehemaa.

A shop owner, Millicent Afum, said that despite not being able to sell her items due to the directive, it helped to preserve the rich Asante culture.

She said, "As a society, despite the advent of modernity, we must jealously guard our culture".

A resident of Boadi, a community behind KNUST, Samuel Agyei, commended the funeral planning committee for the successful organisation of the funeral.

"The orderly manner in which the funeral was organised has once again projected the Asante custom and culture to patrons, both home and abroad," he said.

Dote Yie

The four-day burial rites for the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, which began on September 15, were finalised last Thursday, leading to her royal burial at the Breman Royal Mausoleum.

The conclusion of the burial rites will be followed by the final funeral rites,  expected to be held a year later, after the Asantehene has named a successor to the late queen mother.

The well-attended traditional rites, characterised by cultural practices and rituals, were graced by high-profile individuals and personalities, including President John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Others were former Vice -President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, along with her children.

Also present were the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Russell Dlamini and Thulisile Dladla, respectively.

Writer’s email: gilbert.agbey@graphic.com.gh.