Thousands of mourners join queue to pay last respect

Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 24 March '99

Thousands of people from all walks of life continue to pour in at the Manhyia Palace to pay their last respects to Otumfuo Opoku Ware the second, the late Asantehene, as he lies in state. Long winding and unending queues had been formed as early as 0600 hours this morning as preparations towards the burial of the Asantehene draws closer. Europeans and Americans clad in black mourning cloths and traditional sandals determined not to be left out in any aspect of the cultural beauty of the Asantes' way of mourning their dead Kings, are occasionally seen making body jerks to respond to "Fontomfrom" and "Kete" drumming. The body of the Asantehene that has been lying in state at the executive lounge of Manhyia Palace since last Sunday, will this evening be moved to "Patokrom", where paramount chiefs and Abrempong in Ashanti will swear to him and esoteric rituals performed.