Ga Manye burial: Outline of activities

A number of events have been scheduled for the final funeral service of Queen Naa Dedei Omaedru III.

Below is a line-up of activities for the programme as communicated by the Ga Traditional Council’s Financial Planning Committee.

FRIDAY                     VIGIL

6 pm:                            Short Service

6.30pm                      Adesa Taloi

Nii Kwardey Ntreh

Saayei

SATURDAY

9-11 AM                     CHRISTIAN BURIAL RITES

11-11.30am               Short break for chiefs

11.45am                    Procession of Ga chiefs and their flags

Ga Chiefs seated—Rendition of King Tackie song by Lumina

12pm              TRADITIONAL BURIAL RITES

The arrival of Paramount Chiefs from various traditional councils, the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, and the National House of Chiefs (to be led by Asafoiatsemei and Asafoianyemei)

Procession of Asafo flags

Otsiamifoi bid farewell, led by the Gã Paramount Otsiam. i

Mãnyemei bid farewell, led by the head of Mãnye. m. ei

Lumei bid farewell.

Dzasefoi (“Kingmakers”)

Sentsemei (“Stool elders”), etc. Mãntsemei bid farewel l

Bringing Out the Casket

Asafoiatsemei, Asafoianyemei procession of flags to the casket

Rituals to bring out the casket

Casket brought out in procession:
The flags

Asafoianyemei with a casket supported by Asafoiatsemei

The casket is placed on a catafalque.

Burial Rituals

Asafoi Atsemei and Asafoi Anyemei circle around the casket.

Prayers of the Dzaasefoi and Weku Nukpai over Casket

Slaughtering of goats

Musketery

Asafoi Atsemei and Asafoi Anyemei circle around the casket with muskets and Kple.

Heads of Asafo give a 7-gun salute led by Ga Asafo.
Asere
Abola

Gbese Sempe Akpagaadzen, Otublohum Ngleshie

Gun salute by the Asafoi atsemei and nyemei of the other regions Asafo war songs and the lighting of gunpowder around the casket

Manye Naa Dedei Omaedru III farewell dance

All stand
Asafo carries the Casket 3X waist high around the park.
Casket dances of all styles are represented by the drums in the park.
Mãnye Naa Dedei Omaedru bids farewell to specific chiefs and various dignitaries. Dignitaries touch the casket three times to bid farewell to her as well. l

Final round for Naa Dedei to say farewell to all guests

Moving to the Final Destination

Asafoi Atsemei and Nyemei now carry the casket on their heads towards Accra. All chiefs exit to wait at their palaces for the casket to pass by for their final farewell. Casket leaves Accra for its final private destination.
Possession by the Woyei and Wohii

SUNDAY

10 a.m. Thanksgiving Service at the Holy Trinity Cathedral

FINAL RITES AT GA MANTSE PALACE