By Jonathan Ofori

Copyright asaaseradio

The Manhyia Palace has exempted banks, pharmacies, fuel stations, restaurants and transport services from a one-day closure of businesses in Kumasi on Thursday as Ashanti Kingdom marks the final burial rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

The Palace said essential service providers – including the Electricity Company of Ghana, Ghana Water Company, Fire Service, Ambulance Service and Health Service – will also operate freely during a night curfew.

Schools and markets, however, will remain shut as thousands gather at Manhyia Palace for the four-day Dɔte Yie rites led by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

“The exempted services are to ensure the city continues to function while the people of Asanteman pay their last respects,” Acting Chief of Staff Nana Effah Appenteng said in a statement as published by Opemsuo.com.