Funerals in the Ashanti Region

This past weekend we (my dad and I) traveled to Nobekaw, a small village about 62 miles west of Kumasi, for a funeral. The hospital’s CEO/general manager lost his father in law so staff, family and friends were present for the funeral.

Socializing... 


Since arriving, I have observed an increase in the number of funerals being celebrated, particularly in the Ashanti region. I am not sure about the other nine regions. There are 10 regions (similar to states in the US) in Ghana and I am currently located in the Ashanti region. Saturdays have been reserved for funerals in this region and funerals have become a sort of social function, according to gathered opinions. Not only have they become popular social functions, they have also become a source of revenue for family members of the deceased person. An attendee is expected to contribute money, known locally as “Nsaa”, to the family of the deceased to help offset some of the cost involved in the planning of occasion. In addition, one must wear a special kind of clothing to attend a funeral. It must be either black, red or a combination of both colors. Guests are also fed a full meal before the funeral begins. A funeral in this region is an all-day event. We spent less than 2 hours at this funeral and left almost immediately after our "Nsaa". 


Funeral attendees all dressed up...

I am yet to learn about what goes on in the other regions. Each region has a distinct set of cultural values and practices. I counted about 10 different funeral celebrations during the 62- mile journey. Unlike the States, funerals in Ghana are celebrated outside with attendees sitting under specially made tents, black/red in color. 

This arrangement is used to show pictures of the deceased

Often, the family will organize “one week” celebration of the deceased. It is during this occasion that the family members announce the date and location of the funeral. Funds are also donated to the family during the one week celebration. Sometimes the deceased may remain in the morgue for a month or two depending on the family dynamics and how long it takes to plan the funeral.




Some of the hospital staff getting ready to join the funeral. The Caucasian woman is a public health nurse. She is spending 2 years at the hospital helping with public health activities. Prior to Ghana, she spent 5 years in Bangladesh

I have another funeral to attend in two weeks.......


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