High-profile delegations grace Asantehemaa’s burial rites
A large number of high-profile delegations from both Ghana and abroad thronged the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on day two and three of the four-day burial rites for the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
The delegations and other mourners were at the palace to pay their last respects to the queenmother, who reigned for eight years and died at age 98 on August 7 this year.
As custom demands, this week’s rites, known in Akan as Doteyie represent only the burial rites.
The final funeral rites would be organised a year later, after the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, had enstooled a successor.
Dote in Akan refers to soil. Thus, Doteyie connotes the rites which are being performed before the Asantehemaa is buried.
She was buried yesterday, after a two-hour church service at the Dwabrem at the Manhyia Palace.
Day two
The Director-General, Technical, of the Ghana Police Service, Commissioner of Police (COP) Dr Sayibu Pabi Gariba, led a delegation to the palace last Tuesday to file past the body of the Asantehemaa to show his last respects.
Similarly, a delegation from the Ghana Prisons Service, led by the Director-General, Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, was also at the palace to mourn with Asanteman.
Also, the Deputy Comptroller General of Immigration (DCDI) of the Ghana Immigration Service, Laud Ofori Afrifa, led a delegation from the GIS to commiserate with Otumfuo.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Bessing, also led a delegation from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to mourn with the people of the region by filing past the Asantemaa’s remains and signing the book of condolence.
Day three
Dignitaries who graced the third day of the rites included members of the Council of State, led by Yaw Owusu Obimpeh, the Ashanti Regional member of the council. The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, also led a delegation from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to the event.
Thulisile Dladla,Deputy Prime Minister, Kingdom of Eswatini, exchanging pleasantries with the Asantehene
A delegation from the Judiciary to mourn with Asanteman was led by the acting Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie. It included some staff of the Judicial Service and members of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA).
Also in attendance were distinguished Ghanaian business executives, Sir Sam Jonah and Alhaji Yussif Ibrahim, a businessman.
Also, a delegation from the Kingdom of Eswatini, led by the Deputy Prime Minister, Thulisile Dladla, was in attendance, as well as the Paramount Chief of the Aflao Traditional Area, Togbui Adzongaga Amenya Fiti V.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, led metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs) to pay homage to the Asantehene.
Undoubtedly, the burial rites were another important occasion for Asanteman to showcase their enviable custom and traditions to outsiders, which included the dancing, drumming and the firing of muskets.
Otumfuo’s second day entry
As it happened on the first day, Otumfuo rode in a palanquin to the Dwabrem on the second and third days before sitting in state to receive the delegations scheduled to attend the day’s rites.
Dr Sayibu Pabi Gariba (left), Director-General, Technical, of the Ghana Police Service, with a delegation of officers at the funeral
On the second day, he was robed in a black cowrie-embroidered cloth, known locally as sede ntoma.
The intricate design was complemented by a traditional mourning hat reflecting the depth of the grief of the people due to the passing of the Asantehemaa.
Similarly, on the third day, Otumfuo stepped out at about 12 pm dressed in kuntunkuni cloth and held a fly whisk decorated with cowries along certain sections.
Singing groups
An important side attraction of the burial rites was the presence of a number of all-female singing groups stationed within the entrance of the Manhyia Palace.
Known as Nnwomkro and Adowa groups, the women in unison sing various traditional sang while others perform the widely accepted Adowa dance as well.
Their performance attracted a number of mourners who also seized the opportunity to showcase their traditional dancing skills.
Also, there was the presence of the traditional priests and priestesses, which included children who also played their respective roles since the burial rites began.
Students in attendance
The rites attracted a number of students and pupils from senior high and basic schools who were at the grounds to catch a glimpse of the occasion and to learn about the Asante culture and customs.
Rear Admiral Godwin Bessing (arrowed), Chief of Naval Staff, leading a delegation from the Ghana Armed Forces to mourn with the Asantehene. Pictures: EMMANUEL BAAH
They were spotted at vantage points in the company of the teachers, watching vividly how the events unfolded.
They were occasionally seen in a terrifying mood anytime muskets were fired by the musketeers.
One of the SHS students in an interview said, “We have learnt a lot about the Asante tradition in school, but I am very happy to be here to have a personal encounter with it.
This is a great learning experience for me and my colleagues”.
A basic school pupil said the rites had provided an opportunity for her to have a lived experience of the abstract learning of the culture of the Asante Kingdom and commended the chiefs and elders for the continuous preservation of their culture for the benefit of current and future generations.
Writer’s email: gilbert.agbey@graphic.com.gh
