Ghana Education Service shuts down schools in Kumasi over Asantehemaa’s funeral

The Ghana Educational Service has announced that all schools in the Kumasi Metropolis in the Ashanti region will be closed down on Thursday, January 19, 2017 due to the funeral of the late Asantehemaa Nana Afia Serwaa Kobi Ampem II.

A letter by the GES to the regional director stated that “…the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Chairman of the Transitional Team has given formal permission for you to close down all schools in the Kumasi Metropolis on Thursday, 19th January, 2017 as one of the measures put in place by the Manhyia Palace to ensure a smooth funeral rite of the late Asantehemaa Nana Afia Serwaa Kobi Ampem II.”

The mother of the Asante monarch Otumfuo Osei Tutu II will be buried on Thursday to crown the four-day funeral rites.

According to strict orders from Manhyia, no one is to be seen outside on Thursday during the burial ceremony.

Several dignitaries including former President John Dramani Mahama have paid their last respects to the late Asantehemaa.

Apart from Mr. Mahama, former President John Kufuor, former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, and President Akufo-Addo have been paying their respects to the 111-year-old late queen mother.