Ga Manye’s final funeral rites underway

The final funeral rites of the late Ga Manye, Naa Dedei Omaedru III, are underway at the Ga Mantse palace in North Kaneshie, Accra.

The palace has been clad in red and black.

The final funeral rites of the late Queen Mother commenced on Tuesday, October 24, with Asafo companies (warriors) parading the streets of Accra, characterized by the firing of muskets.

The Asafoanyemei (Women Warriors) of the Ga Traditional Council purified the Ga Mantse Palace ahead of the arrival of the mortal remains of the Ga Manye, Naa Dede Omaedru III.

The purification rite called “Kane wa la tso” literally meaning light life tree, was to protect all mourners from unclean spirits at the funeral ground.

The Asafoanyemei led girls in red attire carrying lanterns, demonstrating their pain as they purified the grounds and some street corners.

She said as they purified the grounds, they were also searching for the Ga Manye with the lanterns because they believed she was alive in the crowd.

In an interview, the Asafoanyemei said: “Tonight, we are looking for our Queen Mother; we believe she is in our midst and not dead.

But if we don’t see her, we shall let the public know that indeed she is dead.”

The evening brought together chiefs and people from the seven paramountcies in Ga Mashie, and other Traditional Areas within Greater Accra.

Warriors displayed various dances and fired muskets.

The mortal remains of Ga Manye arrived this morning for mourners to pay their last respects before she is buried.

Naa Dedei Omaedru was born in 1934 and passed away on December 26, 2022, at her residence in Dansoman. She was enstooled in 1963.

The Ga Manye was noted for championing important issues, including peace and nation-building, education, and opportunities for young people, especially the girl child.

There was a vigil on Friday amidst music, dance, and storytelling.

She would be buried today, Saturday, October 28, 2023.

All commercial activities within Greater Accra are to be suspended to bid the final farewell to the Queen Mother.