The city of Kumasi is bracing itself for one of the most historic and culturally significant events in recent memory — the final funeral rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III. In anticipation of the Dote Yie, scheduled for September 14 to 18, 2025, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has launched an extensive sanitation drive across the metropolis, spearheaded by the Mayor of Kumasi, Hon. Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi.
On Saturday, the Mayor led a massive cleanup exercise which brought together heads of departments from the Assembly, sanitation officers, community volunteers, and students from Serwaa Nyarko Girls’ Senior High School and Asanteman Senior High School. The exercise began at the Airport Roundabout, moved through Dr. Mensah and Adehyeman, and concluded at the Asanteman SHS campus, where the Mayor took the opportunity to interact directly with the students.
Addressing the young participants, Hon. Ofori Agyeman Boadi drew inspiration from his own educational journey, reminding them that discipline, hard work, and respect for teachers remain timeless values that open doors to success. He encouraged the students to remain focused on their studies, assuring them that diligence and perseverance would carry them into a brighter future. The Mayor expressed his deep appreciation for the students’ involvement in the cleanup exercise, describing their enthusiasm as a reflection of the civic responsibility expected of the youth.
The Mayor further revealed that the Assembly has earmarked developmental support for Asanteman SHS, pledging to work closely with the school to improve facilities and create a more conducive environment for teaching and learning. His words were warmly received by the Assistant Head Domestic of the school, who expressed gratitude on behalf of the administration. She described the Mayor’s visit as inspiring and pledged the school’s commitment to collaborate with the Assembly in future projects, while wishing him success in his leadership role.
Speaking to journalists after the exercise, Hon. Ofori Agyeman Boadi emphasized that the cleanup campaign was not only in preparation for the royal funeral but also part of the Assembly’s broader vision to entrench a culture of cleanliness and civic pride in Kumasi. He explained that the Dote Yie will draw thousands of mourners, chiefs, and dignitaries from across Ghana and abroad, making it essential for the city to present itself as clean, organized, and welcoming. According to him, sanitation should not be seen as a one-off exercise tied to major events but as a daily habit and a shared responsibility for all residents.
The Mayor called on households, businesses, and traders across the city to actively participate in the campaign and maintain hygienic surroundings, stressing that environmental health plays a crucial role in protecting lives and projecting the image of the city.
The KMA has announced that the cleanup drive will continue in the days leading up to the funeral, covering major streets, markets, schools, and neighborhoods within the metropolis. This initiative has already begun to energize communities and institutions, reinforcing the collective determination to honor the memory of the late Asantehemaa with dignity, discipline, and order.
As the countdown to the Dote Yie begins, Kumasi stands ready to uphold its reputation as the cultural heartbeat of Ghana, ensuring that the final farewell to the beloved Queen Mother is marked not only by rich tradition and solemn ceremony but also by a city environment befitting her legacy.
