Sights & sounds: Drums, dirges fill Manhyia during Asantehemaa’s burial rites

The Manhyia Palace in Kumasi has been transformed into a scene of solemn tradition and cultural grandeur, as drumming, horn blowing and dirges echo through the courtyard on the opening day of the Asantehemaa’s burial rites.

Hundreds of mourners, clad in symbolic red and black, have filled the palace grounds to pay their respects to the late Nana Konadu Yiadom III, whose memory remains etched in the heart of Asanteman.

The four-day funeral rites, known as Dote Yie, are being led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, alongside chiefs and royals of the Ashanti Kingdom.

The passing of the queen mother has drawn not only traditional leaders but also government officials, religious figures, political dignitaries, and well-wishers from across Ghana and beyond, who are expected to join the solemn ceremonies at Manhyia in the coming days.

• Read also: Manhyia Palace immersed in tradition as Asantehemaa’s burial rites begin today

Here’s how Asantehene entered the funeral grounds of the late Asantehemaa.

Here’s how Barima Sarfo Tweneboa Koduah made his entry amidst a rich display of Ashanti tradition.