Shops and markets in Accra’s central district remained closed on Saturday, October 28, 2023, in observance of the late Queen Mother of the Ga State, Naa Dedei Omaedru III.
This closure complies with the Ga Traditional Council’s directive to honor the late Queen Mother’s last funeral customs.
The directive has been followed by the normally busy Kwame Nkrumah Circle and other business streets, such as the Dome market, Adabraka, and Osu, leading to deserted streets and closed businesses.
Take a look at the current appearance of the Circle-Accra highway as shops remain closed for the final funeral rites of the late Ga Manye Naa Dedei Omaedru III. #UTVGhana pic.twitter.com/gVa2jqUKNs
— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) October 28, 2023
This is to make room for the funeral procession and related ceremonies for late Queen Mother of the Ga State.
Traditional rites are performed at the funeral, and rich Ga culture is on display. It is anticipated that dignitaries, chiefs, and other prominent guests will be present at the ceremony.
CMB Market, near Kantamanto, is in total shutdown in compliance with a directive from the Ga Traditional Council for the final funeral ceremony of the late Ga Manye Naa Dedei Omaedru III.#UTVGhana pic.twitter.com/ztdA5YasMq
— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) October 28, 2023
Red and black decorations are used all over the city to symbolize mourning and highlight the importance of the occasion. Certain members of the royal family and traditional leaders have been the only ones allowed to participate in certain rituals, while others have been accessible to the general public.
Shops along Circle Tiptoe Lane have been closed in compliance with directive from the Ga Traditional Council for the final funeral rites of the late Ga Manye Naa Dedei Omaedru III.#UTVGhana pic.twitter.com/TUIq8UO6B5
— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) October 28, 2023
As part of the funeral preparations, a thanksgiving service is planned for Sunday at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
Relatedly, his Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, along with a number of prominent party members, has offered the late Ga Manye’s family their sympathies and support.
While attending the ongoing funeral procession of the late Queen Mother of the Ga State), the President kindly donated GHC 100,000 to cover Naa Dedei Omaedru III’s funeral costs.
In light of the late Queen’s passing, member of parliament for Tema East Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover accepted the donation on behalf of the President and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family as well as the entire Ga State.
Dr. Bawumia, the first and second ladies of the republic, and several representatives from the New Patriotic Party were also present at the funeral. The latter provided GH¢10,000 to support the funeral arrangements and other items like boxes of Malt, Heineken, water, whisky, and other miscellaneous items.