Normal commercial activities in Kumasi

Normal commercial activities went on side by side the coronation of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene in Kumasi on Monday. The population was divided into traditionalists, who wore black cloths to either Pampaso, one of the traditional wards of Kumasi to view some of the rituals or the Baba Yara Sports Stadium where the coronation was taking place and those in other colours, who went about their normal activities.

Traffic flow was very slow especially around Asafo; Amakom; Ahensan; and the Fanti New Town as people trooped to the Stadium. The black cloth dominated around those areas while the Central Business Districts of Kejetia, Adum and Nsuase had more of those in other colours.

Mr Adjei Boafo, Trader at Adum, said he opened his store for normal business because he did not anticipate any looting as it was rumoured during the burial of Otumfuo Opoku Ware II. Mr Osei Mensah, a trader from Sunyani, said he was in Kumasi to buy merchandise for his store and was not aware of the coronation of the Asantehene.

Mr Kwame Mensah of Amoaful, a Courtier, said he followed his chief to Kumasi to witness the coronation "because such an event happens once in a life time".