The funeral rites for the late Ga Manye, Naa Dedei Omaedru III, began with Asafo companies (warriors) parading the streets of Accra, accompanied by the firing of muskets, yesterday, Wednesday, 24 October 2023.

The Ga Traditional Council has announced that the burial of the Paramount Queen Mother of the Ga State will proceed as planned on Saturday, October 28, 2023.

Today, market women will participate in a procession, offering foodstuffs and other items to the traditional council as part of the funeral rites.

At a news conference in Accra, the Chief of Protocol and Communications of the Ga Mantse, Sylvester Parker-Allotey, called on the public to support the family and the traditional council by complying with the directive to close all shops, ensuring a peaceful funeral process on Saturday.

Banks, table-top food vendors, and health facilities, including hospitals and pharmacies, are exempted from the closure order.

Mr. Parker-Allotey, who is also the Chairman of the Protocol Committee for the funeral, stressed the significance of the event, emphasising that it is a celebration of the late Ga Manye's cherished values and principles, including community service, unity, peace, and the rich Ga-Dangme cultural heritage.

He advised parents to be vigilant and ensure the safety of their children, as the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service will assist in managing traffic during the funeral.

Nii Adote Otintor II, the Sempe Mantse, Mankralo of the Ga State, and Chairman of the Central Funeral Planning Committee, called on residents to set aside one day for the funeral and burial process, without opening their shops, to honor the late Queen. He noted that warriors would ensure compliance with the directive.

The funeral program includes cultural displays, dance, storytelling, and performances by Asafoatsemei and Asafoanyemei (men and women warriors). On Saturday, the burial day, there will be an interdenominational burial service and traditional burial rites. The Asafo companies will lead a procession through the principal streets of Accra under the direction of the Municipal Security Council and state security. A private burial will follow.

On Sunday, a thanksgiving service will be held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Anglican Church, followed by further traditional rites.

The late Ga Manye, Naa Dedei Ablah in private life, passed away at the age of 88 on December 26, 2022, at her Dansoman residence.

Her 59-year reign was marked by a dedication to public and voluntary service, with a focus on promoting peace, education, and opportunities for young people, especially girls.

Chiefs, queen mothers, and elders from Otublohum and Akwamuman in the Greater Accra and Eastern regions have expressed their condolences to the Ga State and signed the book of condolence on behalf of the late Ga Manye.