Kumasi, (Ashanti Region) 19 July '99,

Investigations conducted by the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi on the rationale behind the Asante tradition which bars the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, from attending any public engagements outside Asanteman until the final funeral rites of his predecessor, the late Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, revealed that the Asantehene could not adorn any gold ornament used by his predecessor until it has been "purified".

After the final funeral rites yet to be fixed, all the gold ornaments to be used by the new Asantehene will have to be purified through the performance of some rituals to exorcise the spirit of the departed Asantehene before they can be adorned by the new chief.

The investigations indicated that when the final funeral rites have been performed, then the Asantehene could exhibit the rich cultural heritage of Asanteman by adorning the full regalia as King of Asante.

A statement from the Manhyia Palace on Thursday had said the Asantehene is still in a state of mourning and could not attend any public engagement outside Asanteman until the final funeral rites of the late Asantehene.

GRi