Several dignitaries have been commiserating with the Asantehene, Otumfour Osei Tutu II ahead of marking the one-week celebration of his mother’s passing.

The 111-year-old queen mother of the Ashanti Kingdom, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II passed last Monday Manhyia Palace official communication said.

Nana Afia Kobi who reigned for 39 years.

The late Nana Afia Kobi was enstooled in 1977 as the 13th queen mother of the Asante Kingdom since 1695 after the late Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko II who reigned from 1945 to 1977.

She saw the reign of the late Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, as Asantehene who reigned from 1970 to 1999.

Otumfour has been receiving guest starting early Wednesday.

So far those who have graced the Manhyia Palace include the Esama of the Benin Kingdom in Nigeria Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion; the First Lady, Lordina Mahama; Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panyin; Regional Minister Alexander Ackon, heads of institutions and other political leaders.

Eulogising the late Nana Afia Kobi Ampem, many describe the late queen mother as a repository of wisdom.

The Akyempimhene Oheneba Adusei Poku spoke of her tact and swift delivery of justice which has succeeded in quelling many conflicts and solidified the unity of the Kingdom.

The King is expected to name a successor after a 40-day-period.

He told Luv News' Erastus Asare Donkor that the late queen mother would receive a funeral befitting a royal of the Asante Kingdom.

He, however, allayed the fears of Kumasi residents to debunk rumours of age-old beheading rituals that people claim accompany such funerals.

As part of a tradition, it is believed that some human heads are supposed to be buried along with departed chiefs and queens to escort and serve them in the hereafter. 

Oheneba Adusei Poku said Asanteman has abolished this practices ages ago.

Thousands are expected to gather at Dwabrem at the Manhyia Palace to observe the occasion.

Already many beverage companies, as well as other organisations, have been donating towards the event.

A number of media outlets are also pitching camp to provide exclusive coverage of the one-week celebration.