Some students in the Kumasi Metropolis yesterday expressed their displeasure at the suspension of classes in line with activities put in place by the Manhyia Palace for the observation of the final funeral rites of the late Asante Queen Mother, Afia Kobe Ampem II.
Students reported to school yesterday only to be told “there will be no teaching and learning activities. But the students say they were instructed to report to school.”
Apparently, a communiqué from the Ghana Education Service (GES) announcing the closure of schools in the Kumasi metropolis and Asokore Mampong Municipality didn’t get to the students on time.
Some students in the Kumasi metropolis had to return to their homes after learning that there was no teaching and learning activity.
In the communiqué copied to the media, the GES advised day students in the various senior high schools not to report to school on Monday, December 4, 2017 and Friday, December 8, 2017.
This follows activities put in place by the Manhyia Palace for the observation of the final funeral rites of the late Asante Queen Mother.
“We wish to inform residents in Kumasi Metro, Asokore Mampong Municipal and the general public that activities being held for the final funeral rites of the late queen mother, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem 11, demand that basic schools within these areas be closed down on Monday, 4th December, 2017.”
“On Friday 8th December 2017, schools will close at 12 noon to enable students reach home on time. Day students in the senior high schools are also to stay home within these two days,” the statement said.
Nananom of the Kumasi Traditional Council and Otumfuo are expected to parade the streets in their smocks.
The final funeral rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Serwaa Kobi Ampen 11, who died in December 2016, is being held between December 1 and December 11, 2017 in the Ashanti Region.
The late Asantehemaa, who was the mother of the current Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, passed away in 2016 at the age of 109 and was succeeded by Nana Konadu Yiadom II, Asantehene’s elder sister.
Although her burial rites were performed in January 2017, her funeral rites are being held over a 2-week period in the Ashanti Region.
Chairman of the funeral committee, Nsuase Opoku Agyeman, Otumfuo’s Akyeamhene, in an earlier press briefing, advised residents and traders in the central business district of Kumasi to close their shops on Monday and Tuesday, explaining that “there will be firing of musketry in the streets, the executioners will also be around to display, so as Nananom parade from Adum to Manhyia, we will advise that all shops be closed, no trotros or taxis should be seen working.”
He further announced that “no one should be seen in the evening on Saturday. It should be observed just like the Thursday during the burial rites, because that evening, Nananom will take the Abusuakuruwa to Breman.”
Meanwhile, a ban has been placed on all funerals in the region from the Friday 1st December to Monday, 11th December.
Story: From James Appiakorang Jnr., Kumasi, Ashanti Region
Writer’s email: nananie555@gmail.com