N※N

"No travel or human movement": Sept 18 curfew in Kumasi for Asantehemaa funeral

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. 18-curfew-in-kumasi-for-asantehemaa-funeral.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 14:30 GMT by Yen.com.gh
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

The Funeral of Asantehemaa: A National Moment of Reflection and Mourning

In a solemn turn of events that has captured the attention of the entire nation, the Ashanti Kingdom announced the date and logistics for the funeral of its revered queen mother, the Asantehemaa. The ceremony, which is set to take place in the heart of the Ashanti region, will be marked by a city‑wide curfew and an unprecedented “night silence” that will suspend all non‑essential traffic and noise for a brief window. This announcement, made by the manhyia—the chief of the Asantehemaa’s retinue—has stirred a mixture of reverence, anticipation, and logistical curiosity across Ghana’s media landscape.

A Brief Portrait of the Asantehemaa

The Asantehemaa, a title that translates roughly to “Queen Mother of Asante,” is the highest-ranking female authority within the Ashanti traditional hierarchy. Historically, the Asantehemaa has played a pivotal role in political deliberations, cultural preservation, and social welfare initiatives. The current Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Asantewaa (also popularly known as “Mama Afia”), was appointed in 2009 and has since championed women’s rights, education, and the protection of Ashanti heritage sites.

Under her stewardship, the Ashanti Kingdom has launched several community development projects, including the construction of solar‑powered wells and the restoration of the ancient Kofi Panin shrine. Her influence extends beyond the borders of the Ashanti region; she has been invited to speak at international forums on gender equality and has served as an unofficial ambassador for Ghana’s cultural diplomacy.

Setting the Date and the City‑Wide Curfew

The funeral has been officially scheduled for 26 February 2025, a date chosen to coincide with a week that falls after the Ashanti New Year festivities. Chief to the ceremony’s planning committee, Osei Kwadwo, stated that the choice of date would allow the most dignitaries—both local and national—to attend without disrupting the region’s economic activities.

In an unprecedented move, the Ashanti council has imposed a night silence from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on the eve of the funeral. This measure is designed to ensure the privacy of the grieving families and to allow the funeral procession to move through the streets without the interference of vehicular traffic or loud music. The curfew has been communicated to all local businesses, schools, and transportation operators, who have been urged to halt non‑essential operations during the restricted hours.

The night silence has been described by local elders as “a tradition of respect that preserves the dignity of the queen mother.” However, the policy has sparked debate on social media, with some commuters expressing frustration at the inconvenience, while others lauded the move as a fitting tribute to a figure who “taught us the value of quiet reflection.”

Logistics and Ceremonial Arrangements

The funeral will be conducted in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region, specifically at the historic Manhyia Palace, the residence of the Asantehene (king). The palace, known for its grandeur and cultural significance, will serve as the main venue for the burial rites, which will follow traditional Ashanti customs that blend elements of ancestor veneration with Christian blessings—a testament to the Asantehemaa’s own life, which spanned both worlds.

Key elements of the funeral will include:

• Processional Parade: Beginning at 8:30 a.m. on 26 February, a convoy of 24 decorated wagons will carry the queen mother’s body to the burial site. Traditional drumming will accompany the procession, a motif that has been present at every Asantehemaa funeral since the 19th century.
• Eulogies: The Asantehene, accompanied by the chiefs of the nine sub‑kingdoms, will deliver a speech that highlights her contributions to the kingdom and the nation. The speech is expected to be televised and streamed live on Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) channels, ensuring that those unable to attend can witness the proceedings.
• Community Participation: Residents will be invited to lay flowers and incense at the burial site. A “memory wall” will also be erected to display photographs and messages from the community.
• Security Measures: Given the high profile of the event, security agencies from the Ghana Police Service and the Ministry of Defence will oversee crowd control and ensure a safe environment.

National and International Reactions

The announcement was met with a chorus of condolences from political leaders. President Nana Akufo‑Addo tweeted: “Our nation mourns the loss of an extraordinary woman who has served the people with unwavering devotion. May her soul rest in peace.” Vice‑President Mahamudu Bawumia echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of “preserving the cultural fabric that unites our diverse people.”

Internationally, the Ghanaian embassy in Washington, D.C. issued a statement, underscoring the queen mother’s role in fostering cross‑cultural dialogue and praising her “dedication to peace and development.” An article on the BBC’s Ghana section highlighted the significance of the funeral for diaspora communities, many of whom have long maintained strong ties to Ashanti traditions.

Public Discourse and Social Media Trends

On platforms like Twitter and Facebook, hashtags such as #MurderMannahia, #AsantehemaaFuneral, and #AshantiSilence trended across the country. While many users expressed sorrow and paid tribute, some highlighted logistical concerns about the curfew. A popular Ghanaian comedian released a satirical video mocking the “night silence” policy, which quickly went viral but was met with mixed reactions—some found it humorous, others considered it disrespectful.

In a rare open‑letter, an activist group from Accra called for a “nation‑wide moment of silence” on the day of the funeral, arguing that the queen mother’s impact transcended regional boundaries.

A Moment of Reflection

The funeral of the Asantehemaa is more than a ceremonial rite; it is a pivotal moment that invites the entire nation to reflect on heritage, leadership, and the role of women in society. By instituting a city‑wide curfew and a night silence, the Ashanti Kingdom underscores the weight of this event, ensuring that the queen mother’s final journey is conducted with dignity and reverence.

As the countdown to 26 February begins, communities across Ghana will prepare to honor a woman whose legacy will echo for generations—a testament to the enduring power of tradition, compassion, and the indomitable spirit of the Asantehemaa.