Kumasi Turns Ghost Town as Otumfuo Walks to Mum

THE ASHANTI Regional capital of Kumasi, which is noted for a vibrant night life was turned into a ghost town on Saturday night as everyone remained behind locked doors to observe an important traditional rite to be performed by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

This follows a curfew, which the Manhyia Palace, the official seat of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, placed on the city.

The dusk to dawn curfew was on the orders of the Manhyia Palace, the official seat of the Asantehene, as part of rite to observe the grand funeral rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu and the Asantehemaa, Nana Ama Konadu, were to be in the city at night to perform some rituals.

The King and Queen were supposed to take the ‘Abusuakuruwaa’ to the Breman Royal Mausoleum, a journey of about eight miles, during the night.

The Asantehene and Asantehemaa, both biological children of Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, were supposed to walk on foot from Manhyia to Breman.

Per the Asante traditions and customs, which dates back to about four centuries, nobody is supposed to see the ‘Abusuruwaa’, hence the strict curfew.

The paper learnt that few royals from the Oyoko clan and some selected chiefs in Asanteman, were allowed to move with the King and Queen on the day.

Palace sources said it is a taboo for people, who are not among the chosen few, to catch a glimpse of the ‘Abusuakuruwaa’, which is a sacred object.

Residents of Kumasi, who respects the Asante traditions and culture therefore complied fully with the curfew directive on Saturday night.

For once, all the night clubs and drinking spots that have scattered across the city, were locked up on Saturday night.

By: Afua Sarpong Amankwa/ thePublisher