Tears flow for Asantehemaa

There were sad scenes at the forecourt of the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi yesterday, as scores of people cried uncontrollably to mourn the death of the Asantehema, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II.

The late Asantehema, who was regarded as one of the finest and successful queenmothers of Asanteman, died at an advanced age of 111.

She was the biological mother of Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Thousands of people from all parts of the country, trooped to the Manhyia Palace on the first day of a four-day traditional burial programme, which has been instituted by Asanteman to bid farewell to the late queenmother, who reigned for 39 years.

The body of the queenmother, which had been decorated with rich ‘Kente’ cloth and pure gold ornaments, was laid in state for the mourners to pay their last respects ahead of her burial on Thursday.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was the first to pay respects to her.

Sources at the palace indicated that the King also shed tears for her mother.

Most of the mourners, especially the women, also followed suit as they cried uncontrollably after they had filed past the body of the queenmother to pay their last respects to her.

A section of the Asante royals at the palace were also seen crying bitterly, amid concerns that Asanteman and Ghana had lost an important personality.

Most of the mourners described Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II as a caring, loving and accommodative person, insisting that indeed Asanteman and Ghana had lost a great personality.

They observed that Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II led an exemplary life, adding that they were not surprised that she joined her ancestors at such an advanced age.