Kumasi (Ashanti), 27th April ?99 - Normal commercial activities went on side by side the coronation of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene in Kumasi on Monday.

While some wore black cloth as demanded by tradition and went to either Pampaso, one of the traditional wards of

Kumasi to view some of the rituals connected with the coronation, or the sports stadium stadium where the coronation was taking place, others dressed in casual attire went about their normal activities.

Traffic flow was very slow especially around Asafo, Amakom, Ahensan and the Fanti New Town as people trooped to the stadium.

The black cloth dominated around those areas while the central business districts of Kejetia, Adum and Nsuase saw people in casual wear going about their business.

Mr Adjei Boafo, a trader at Adum, said he opened his store for normal business because he did not anticipate any looting as it was rumoured during the burial of Otumfuo Opoku Ware the second.

Mr Osei Mensah, a trader from Sunyani, said he was in Kumasi to buy merchandise for his store and was not aware of the coronation of the Asantehene.

Mr Kwame Mensah of Amoaful in the Central region, said he followed his chief to Kumasi to witness the coronation "because such an event happens once in a life time".