As Manhyia and Asanteman prepare for the funeral and burial of late Asantehemaa Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II this week, reports have emerged of an increase in demand for the mourning cloth for the late queen in Kumasi.

The cloth, known as ‘Nana Yen Were Mmfiri Wo Dabiara Da’, according to retailers, is being highly patronised ahead of the ceremony on Thursday January 19.

Some dealers who spoke to Accra News said the cloths come in red and black, white and black, and yellow and brown prints, and sell for GHS15 per yard, saying they have enough supplies to meet the rise in demand.

However, they expressed the fear they may soon run out of the yellow and brown prints owing to a shortfall in their supply.

The Asantehemaa died in November 2016, aged 111, after reigning for 39 years after her enstoolment as the 13th queen of the Asante Kingdom. She had succeeded as queen, in 1977, Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko II, who reigned from 1945 until her demise that year.

The late Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II was the mother of the reigning Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.