Breaking the bank for the dead: Time to reform Ghana’s expensive funeral culture[Editorial]

Few social events in Ghana command as much attention, emotion and expenditure as funerals.

From elaborate keeping dead bodies in the morgue for so long, expensive caskets and designer funeral cloths to multiple ceremonies, live bands and lavish feeding, funerals have evolved into major social events that often leave many families financially drained after the programme.

These days, it has become so fashionable that a funeral is seen not only as a measure of respect for the dead and status for the living.

Hitherto, funerals were modest and not that expensive and not as lavish as today.

No serious food was served except for travelling relatives who eat after the funeral, especially on Mondays, and this relates to typical Akan communities like my hometown in Sefwi.

But increasingly, civilisation and urbanisation have made Ghanaian funerals too expensive.

There are pockets of communities where the leaders have tried to limit lavish funerals, and I don’t know for sure how these measures have been effective.

Apart from the high financial outlay, the funeral ceremonies have left in their trail an increase in social vices, the result of excessive merry-making instead of mourning the dead.

Many families go to the extent of selling properties and borrowing from financial institutions that come to the funeral grounds to collect donations to make up for any money given out.

Yet losses are recorded many a time with expectations not being met.

This disturbing emerging conundrum needs to be tackled with practical steps to reduce the burden, if not eliminate it.

Why the emerging trend?

Studies on funeral practices in Ghana show that funeral celebrations have gradually transformed from modest communal rites into expensive social events heavily influenced by modern lifestyles, migration, social expectations and competition.

It is to be noted that whilst funerals in Ghana can consume substantial household income, they also negatively affect productivity, as many workers travel frequently for funeral activities.

Social pressure and competition in the public space lead many families to do what is beyond their means because of the fear of criticism if a funeral appears relatively simple. In some communities, funerals have become occasions to display affluence, influence and social standing.

Multiple ceremonies also account for this trend. Hitherto, one-week observances, pre-burial rites, wake-keepings and thanksgiving services, which now all add to the final cost, were modestly done and limited to a few people.

Now what seems to be the major driver of the high cost is food, drinks, chairs, canopies, sound systems and entertainment.

These consume a chunk of all funeral budgets.

Even people from relatively lower-income backgrounds spend so much on very expensive custom-designed funeral cloths and expensive attire for family members, and this, in many cases, has become almost mandatory, such that those who cannot afford have to seek financial assistance.

The financial burden of funerals can have long-term consequences.

Some families remain in debt for years after a funeral. Ironically, people who did not and could not afford proper health care, for instance, for relatives while alive, sometimes spend heavily after death.

, including yours truly, argue that society must begin prioritising dignity over display.

Way forward?

We must, as Ghanaians, return to simplicity and our old ways of doing things rather than seeing life as a competition.

In this way, all traditional leaders, churches and families can encourage modest funerals focused on mourning and remembrance rather than spectacle, so to speak.

Funeral days, especially the one-week observance, must be regulated and limited to only family members to announce the day of the final funeral rites. Reducing funeral activities to a single main day could significantly cut costs.

Families should be encouraged to set clear spending limits and avoid unnecessary expenses driven by public pressure.

Furthermore, families should be encouraged to do funeral savings and insurance schemes, as this is also an emerging scheme which may help families prepare without resorting to loans.

Ultimately, a cultural reorientation to changing attitudes is essential.

A dignified funeral does not have to be extravagant. Respect for the dead should not come at the expense of the living.

More children have to be in school.

Arguably, funerals remain an important part of Ghanaian culture and social identity.

They unite families, preserve traditions and provide emotional support during grief.

However, as costs continue to rise, there is a growing need for an honest national conversation about sustainability.

Honouring the dead should not impoverish the living.

Perhaps the time has come for Ghana to redefine what truly makes a befitting funeral.