Kumasi (Ashanti), 22nd March -

Economic activities in Kumasi have been brought to a virtual standstill as the late Asantehene,Otumfuo Opoku Ware the second, is laid in state at the Manhyia Palace, the seat of the Asante kingdom. There is no trading activity in the Kejetia and the central market, the hub of trading activities in the metropolis. These markets have been deserted. Most stores at the central business areas including Adum, Ash-Town and the Roman Hill remain closed. Although the period of the late Otumfuo's funeral has not been officially declared a holiday, both teachers and pupils in basic schools have stayed away from classes. The late Asantehene who died on February 25, would remain in state for four days after which he would be buried at the Breman royal mausoleum on Thursday, March 25.