In preparation for the final funeral rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has rolled out an extensive sanitation campaign across the city, led by the Mayor of Kumasi, Hon. Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi. The royal funeral, known as the Dote Yie, is scheduled for September 14 to 18, 2025, and is expected to draw thousands of mourners, traditional leaders, and dignitaries from across the country and beyond.
The Mayor, together with heads of departments from the Assembly, sanitation officers, and other staff, spearheaded a massive cleanup exercise on Saturday morning. Joining them were students from Serwaa Nyarko Girls’ Senior High School and Asanteman Senior High School, whose enthusiastic participation symbolized the importance of community involvement in keeping Kumasi clean and prepared for such a monumental cultural event. The exercise began at the Airport Roundabout, stretched through Dr. Mensah and Adehyeman, and ended at the Asanteman SHS campus, where the Mayor interacted directly with the students.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Ofori Agyeman Boadi drew on his own educational experiences to encourage the youth. He reminded them that discipline, hard work, and respect for teachers are essential values that open doors to future success. He urged the students to remain committed to their academic goals, assuring them that diligence in their studies would guarantee brighter opportunities ahead. He also praised them for dedicating their energy to the cleanup campaign, describing their contribution as a demonstration of civic duty and responsibility.
The Mayor assured the school of the Assembly’s continuous support, noting that future developmental initiatives had been earmarked for Asanteman SHS to improve both infrastructure and the learning environment. His message was warmly received by the Assistant Head Domestic of the school, who expressed gratitude for his visit. She described his words as inspiring and pledged the school’s ongoing collaboration with the KMA. She also extended her best wishes to the Mayor, emphasizing the importance of his continued support for educational institutions in the metropolis.
Speaking to the media after the exercise, the Mayor highlighted the broader vision behind the cleanup campaign. He explained that Kumasi, as the cultural heartbeat of Ghana, must reflect dignity, order, and cleanliness during such a significant national event. He stressed that sanitation is not the sole responsibility of the Assembly but a collective obligation of residents, schools, businesses, and community groups.
Hon. Ofori Agyeman Boadi further noted that the Dote Yie will bring together thousands of mourners from across Ghana and the diaspora, making it crucial for Kumasi to present itself as a well-organized and hygienic city. He added that the Assembly’s campaign would not end with the funeral but would continue as part of a sustained effort to entrench a culture of cleanliness and environmental responsibility across the metropolis.
With the Dote Yie fast approaching, the cleanup exercise has energized communities and institutions, reinforcing Kumasi’s determination to honor the late Asantehemaa with both dignity and discipline. The Assembly’s initiative also underscores the importance of unity, civic pride, and collective responsibility as the city positions itself to host one of the most historic and culturally significant ceremonies in Asanteman’s history.
