Stories and facts

Burial practices in Ghana are an important part of the country’s cultural and social life, reflecting the beliefs and values of its many communities. When someone dies, the immediate family notifies the extended family and, in many cases, the local chief. The body is usually taken to a mortuary, which allows time for relatives and friends to gather and for funeral arrangements to be made.

Funerals in Ghana are major events that bring together large groups of people, sometimes including entire villages or neighbourhoods. They serve not only as a time to mourn but also as a way to honour the deceased, celebrate their life, and strengthen family and community ties.

Among many ethnic groups, such as the Akan, the funeral process begins with a one-week observance. During this time, the family meets to finalise plans and set a date for the main funeral, which can last several days. The ceremonies often start with a wake, where the body is displayed in the family home or a public area. Mourners come to pay their respects, offer condolences, and participate in singing, drumming, and dancing. The deceased is dressed in special clothing, sometimes traditional kente or formal attire, and placed in a coffin.

In some communities, especially among the Ga people, coffins may be shaped to reflect the person’s profession or interests, such as a fish for a fisherman or a Bible for a pastor.

The main funeral day brings together even more people for a procession to the burial site. Depending on family tradition and location, burials may take place in family graveyards, public cemeteries, or, in rural areas, on ancestral land. In cities, modern cemeteries managed by churches or local authorities are common.

The burial itself is accompanied by prayers, the pouring of libations, and sometimes the placement of personal items or money in the coffin. Pallbearers, especially in southern Ghana, often perform choreographed dances while carrying the casket, turning the procession into a lively and memorable event.

Religious beliefs shape burial customs across the country. Christian funerals usually include church services, hymns, and scripture readings, with clergy leading prayers at both the funeral and the graveside.

Muslim funerals are typically more straightforward, with the body washed, wrapped in a shroud, and buried as soon as possible, following Islamic tradition. Some families also perform traditional rites, such as ancestral prayers and rituals intended to ensure the deceased’s peaceful transition to the spirit world.

After the burial, the funeral continues with communal meals, music, and dancing. Guests often make donations to support the bereaved family, as funeral expenses can be significant. Funerals are seen as a measure of respect for the deceased and a way to bring people together.

While urbanisation and changing economic conditions have led some families to choose simpler ceremonies or even cremation, these practices are still less common. Despite these changes, honouring the dead, supporting the grieving, and maintaining cultural traditions remain central to how Ghanaians approach burial and funerals.

Explore the collection to learn more about Ghanaian funeral traditions.