The Planning Committee of the late Asantemaa Nana Afia Kobi Serwah Ampem II has decided not to shut down all stores and shops within the main central business district of the Kumasi Metropolis on Monday, December 4 and Tuesday, December 5 as earlier announced.
The Committee during press briefing on the November 2, 2017 indicated that due to traditional wailing (Ayinam) and firing of musketry (Atrane) from the Manhyia Palace to Adum and back to Manhyia palace by Otumfuo and Nananom, all stores and shops within the main central business district of the Kumasi Metropolis will be closed on Monday, December 4 and Tuesday, December 5, to pave way for the customary rite.
But the Chairman of the Committee, who double as the Otumfuo Kyeamehene, Baffour Nsuase Poku Agyemang speaking to the media today said the Asantehene Otumfour Osei Tutu II believes that closing down of stores and shops within the main central business district of the Kumasi Metropolis will be closed on Monday, December 4 and Tuesday, December 5 will definitely affect the people in Ashanti region.
According to him, since December 1, 2017 is Farmers Day which is holiday, majority of shops and stores owners will not open their stores.
“Otumfour Osei Tutu II as a father for all told us (the Planning Committee) that December 1, 2017 is public holiday so people will not open their stores and shops. Christmas is just around the corner and we all know that shops and stores owners get money during Christmas so ordering the close down of stores and shops on Monday, December 4 and Tuesday, December 5 will affect his people. All stores and shops can be open but those who have stores and stores at Adum, Pampaso, and Dr Mensah can open their stores and shops when Otumfour Osei Tutu reach Manhyia palace” he said.
Residents in the Kumasi Metropolis are expected to stay indoors on the night of Saturday, December 9, from 9pm to 2am as a special ceremony will be performed by the Asantehene and Asantehemaa on that night.
