No Live Bullets at Asantehemaa’s Funeral – Manhyia Palace Warns
The Manhyia Palace has laid down the law: no live bullets will be tolerated during the final funeral rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
The directive, which came on the opening day of the rites in Kumasi yesterday, is aimed at keeping mourners safe as thousands troop to the Manhyia Palace to pay their last respects. The funeral will run until Thursday, September 18.
Speaking to reporters, Otumfuo’s linguist, Baffour Kantankrankyi, made it clear that anyone caught breaking the rule will not be spared.
“Any individual found flouting this directive will face the consequences, including arrest and prosecution,” he warned.
Gun salutes have always been part of Asante tradition, used to honour chiefs and tell the stories of their bravery. But in keeping with modern safety concerns, the Palace insists that only gunpowder displays — not live bullets — will be allowed.
This decision, according to officials, is to prevent needless accidents and to maintain order as dignitaries, royals, and ordinary citizens gather in Kumasi for what is expected to be one of the largest traditional funerals in recent years.
