BY Grace Zigah
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has announced a temporary closure of several major roads in and around the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Thursday, August 21, 2025, as part of security and traffic management arrangements for the one-week funeral observation of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
The revered Queen Mother of the Ashanti Kingdom passed away earlier this month, plunging the Ashanti nation into mourning.
Her one-week observance, a key traditional rite preceding the final funeral, is expected to draw chiefs, queen mothers, government officials, and thousands of mourners from across Ghana and beyond.
Roads to Be Closed
The police outlined specific routes that will be inaccessible to motorists during the event. These include:
Manhyia Bonjour Road (from Airport Roundabout to Manhyia Palace)
Sumankwahene’s Junction Road to the Palace
Nick Petroleum Filling Station Road to the Palace
St. Ann’s Anglican Church Road to the Palace
Manhyia Government Hospital Road through Alaba
Yokohene’s Palace Street leading to the Palace
Hyiawuhemaa’s Palace Street
Nana Akwasi Agyemang Junction to the Manhyia Museum
Only invited dignitaries and accredited guests will be granted access through these restricted roads.
Diversion and Traffic Management
According to the police, commercial and private vehicles heading to the city center from Dichemso, Airport Roundabout, and the Manhyia Bonjour Road will be diverted through the Asawase Police Station and Kainako Road towards the Kumasi Central Mosque.
Vehicles approaching from 19 Steps Road and Alaba will also be rerouted.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Godwin Ahianyo, Head of the Public Affairs Unit, emphasized that traffic management personnel will be deployed at all strategic points to direct motorists.
Parking and Shuttle Services
Parking spaces have been designated for different categories of participants. Government officials with official stickers will use the Antoa Station Car Park, while chiefs and queen mothers will be accommodated at the Melcom and DKC car parks. Public parking areas include the Central Mosque Car Park, Asawasi Methodist Park, and Atipimhene’s Park.
To ease movement, free shuttle services will operate between the Asawasi Methodist Park, Central Mosque Car Park, and the Manhyia Palace.
Restrictions and Enforcement
In a bid to maintain order and security, the police have banned tricycles (popularly known as Aboboyaa), rickshaws (Pragia), and motorbikes from accessing the closed roads and funeral grounds.
DSP Ahianyo cautioned operators to comply with this directive or risk having their vehicles impounded.
Additionally, unauthorized parking will not be tolerated. Towing trucks will be stationed near the palace and surrounding areas to remove wrongly parked vehicles, which will be taken to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly Yard at the owner’s expense.
Public Appeal
The police command has appealed for full cooperation from the general public, urging residents and visitors to respect the temporary measures to ensure a peaceful and dignified celebration of the late Queen Mother’s life.
The one-week observance of Nana Konadu Yiadom III marks the beginning of elaborate traditional rites leading up to her final funeral.
Her passing has been described as a monumental loss to the Ashanti Kingdom, where the Asantehemaa plays a crucial role in governance, tradition, and cultural preservation.
