[ 2016-11-24 ]

Asanteman marks one-week celebration for late queen mother today
Several dignitaries have been commiserating with
the Asantehene, Otumfour Osei Tutu II ahead of
marking the one-week celebration of his mother’s
passing.

The 111-year-old queen mother of the Ashanti
Kingdom, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II passed
last Monday Manhyia Palace official communication
said.

Nana Afia Kobi who reigned for 39 years.

The late Nana Afia Kobi was enstooled in 1977 as
the 13th queen mother of the Asante Kingdom since
1695 after the late Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko II who
reigned from 1945 to 1977.

She saw the reign of the late Otumfuo Opoku Ware
II, as Asantehene who reigned from 1970 to 1999.

Otumfour has been receiving guest starting early
Wednesday.

So far those who have graced the Manhyia Palace
include the Esama of the Benin Kingdom in Nigeria
Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion; the First Lady,
Lordina Mahama; Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori
Panyin; Regional Minister Alexander Ackon, heads
of institutions and other political leaders.


Eulogising the late Nana Afia Kobi Ampem, many
describe the late queen mother as a repository of
wisdom.

The Akyempimhene Oheneba Adusei Poku spoke of her
tact and swift delivery of justice which has
succeeded in quelling many conflicts and
solidified the unity of the Kingdom.

The King is expected to name a successor after a
40-day-period.

He told Luv News' Erastus Asare Donkor that the
late queen mother would receive a funeral
befitting a royal of the Asante Kingdom.

He, however, allayed the fears of Kumasi residents
to debunk rumours of age-old beheading rituals
that people claim accompany such funerals.

As part of a tradition, it is believed that some
human heads are supposed to be buried along with
departed chiefs and queens to escort and serve
them in the hereafter.

Oheneba Adusei Poku said Asanteman has abolished
this practices ages ago.

Thousands are expected to gather at Dwabrem at the
Manhyia Palace to observe the occasion.

Already many beverage companies, as well as other
organisations, have been donating towards the
event.

A number of media outlets are also pitching camp
to provide exclusive coverage of the one-week
celebration.

Source - Joyfm

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