Basic schools in the Kumasi metropolis are totally empty over the final funeral rites of the Asantehemaa Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II.

Academic activities have come to a halt following Ghana Education Service’s (GES) directive preventing them from attending classes.

Some of the pupils who didn’t know of the directive had to return home after reaching their schools’ gates.

According to the GES, activities being held for the final funeral rites of the late queen mother demands that basic schools within Kumasi Metro, Asokore Mampong Municipal be closed down today, Monday 4, 2017.

Day students in the Senior High Schools (SHSs) have been asked to stay home on Monday and Friday.

GES in a statement said, ‘On Friday 8th December, 2017 schools will close at 12: noon to enable students reach home on time’.

There will be traditional wailing (Ayinam) and firing of musketry (Atrane) from the Manhyia Palace to Adum and back to Manhyia palace by Otumfuo and other traditional rulers on Monday-Tuesday.

The Asante king Otumfuo will later sit in state to distribute palm wine, receive sympathies and donations.

The final funeral rites of the Asantehemaa started on Friday December 1, 2017.