Royal burial: Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III
Royal burial: Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III interred at Breman Mausoleum
After four days of mourning, characterised by cultural practices and rituals, Asanteman yesterday bid farewell to the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, in the quiet of the night and away from the eyes of the public.
The journey to the Breman Royal Mausoleum (Ban mu) in Kumasi, the hallowed burial place of Ashanti royals, began just before dusk as pallbearers lifted the remains of the Asantehemaa and led a long procession of relevant elders of Ashanti and members of the royal family to her final resting place.
Her remains, however, made a brief pause at the Bantama Royal Mausoleum for the final traditional burial rites.
It was the final act of the burial process, which began last Monday, as the nation, led by President John Dramani Mahama and other dignitaries, including former Presidents J. A. Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, mourned with the royal family.
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah; Council of State member, Betty Mould-Iddrisu; Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene; former Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and his wife, Samira Bawumia, and former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, were also in attendance.
There was also a large delegation from the diplomatic community made up of representatives from France, Canada, Peru, Barbados, the United Kingdom, Suriname and Sierra Leone, among others.
It was also attended by traditional rulers from various parts of the country, politicians, public office holders, corporate executives, civil society officials, and people from all walks of life.
As night drew nearer on the Garden City of Kumasi, quietness fell on the deserted streets in general obedience to traditional demand.
As decreed by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asanteman, particularly the capital, Kumasi, was dead silent in accordance with Ashanti custom and traditions, paving the way for the procession to the graveside.
Final march
The sacred environment of the Bantama Mausoleum is the burial place of some Ashanti chiefs and queenmothers, and traditional beliefs dictate that the Asantehemaa had to meet and interact with the spirits of the departed royals before moving to her final resting place at Breman.
President John Dramani Mahama (right), exchanging pleasantries with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, during the burial service of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. Picture: EMMANUEL BAAH
The departure of the body from the Manhyia Palace was preceded by a three-hour church service by the Anglican Church.
The Ghana Armed Forces then gave the late Asantehemaa military honours with the Last Post.
Afterwards, the casket containing the remains was carried by military pallbearers into a military vehicle.
It was taken back to the Asantehemaa’s Palace at 5:40 p.m., followed closely by the Asantehene, amid the appropriate rites and cultural practices.
Crowd
Throughout yesterday, a large crowd of mourners from far and near thronged the Dwabrem of the Manhyia Palace to pay their last respects to the Asantehemaa, satisfy their curiosity with a rich display of culture and bid her farewell as well.
