Kumasi (Ashanti), 22 March '99 -

Nana Afua Kobi Serwaa Ampem the second, Asantehemaa, today paid her last respect to Otumfuo Opoku Ware the second, the Asantehene. The Asantehemaa, with her retinue, paid her last respect just before the arrival of President Rawlings and his entourage. The Asantehemaa came away from the executive lounge where Otumfuo's body, clad in a rich kente cloth and adorned with gold ornaments, lies in state, amidst drumming, horn blowing and shedding of tears. Meanwhile, chiefs and their followers sat in a state of mourning at the forecourt of the executive lounge.