The two main political parties in the country have suspended all active outdoor campaign activities in the Ashanti Region.

The action by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) is to show respect to the Asantehene, Otumfour Osei Tutu II, and the entire Ashanti kingdom following the demise of the Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Serwaa Kobi Ampem II.

Announcing the decision at a press conference on Friday, November 18, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, expressed his party's deepest condolence and urged all members of the party to adhere strictly to the directive but pressed on them to continue with their door-to-door outreach campaigns in a calm atmosphere.

The chairman further directed all members of the party to be clad in the party's apparel on Friday, 25th November, 2016, in honour of the deceased queenmother of the Ashanti Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has also suspended his campaign tour of the Ashanti Region. Ambassador Daniel Ohene Agyekum spoke on behalf of the Chief of Staff.

According to him, “It was with deep regret as they were informed that ‘Nana Asantehemaa had gone to the bush’. We had no choice than to suspend our campaign activities precisely with respect to Ashanti tradition and culture. Therefore, all activities connected with our campaign through the region has been suspended with immediate effect.”

Nana Afia Serwaa Kobi Ampem II died on Monday, November 14. She was 111 years old.