Stories and facts
Cremation, while still less common than traditional burial in Ghana, is gradually gaining attention as burial costs rise and urban space becomes limited. Understanding the cost of cremation is increasingly relevant for families seeking alternative, dignified, and sometimes more affordable end-of-life arrangements.
The cost of traditional burial in Ghana has seen a significant increase in recent years. For example, the price for a grave at Osu Cemetery in Accra has risen from GH¢830 in 2018 to between GH¢2,500 and GH¢3,500 in 2024, and now stands at GH¢4,900. This fee covers the burial site, digging, and associated services, but does not include the cost of a coffin, which can range from GH¢2,500 to GH¢4,000 depending on the type and quality. In private cemeteries like Gethsemane Memorial Park, a burial plot can cost as much as GH¢47,000 for a 20-year lease, including the grave, tombstone, and maintenance.
While detailed, up-to-date figures for cremation in Ghana are less widely reported than burial costs, cremation is generally perceived as a more cost-effective option. Cremation eliminates the need for a burial plot, elaborate tombstone, and some of the recurring maintenance fees associated with cemetery interment. In practice, the cost of cremation in Ghana typically covers:
The cremation process itself (including use of the crematorium and staff)
Basic urn for ashes
Documentation and permits
Based on available information and industry trends, the cost of cremation in Ghana is estimated to range from approximately GH¢2,000 to GH¢5,000, depending on the facility, services included, and location. This is broadly comparable to the lower end of burial costs at public cemeteries, but significantly less than private or premium burial options.
With the rising cost of land and the maintenance challenges of traditional cemeteries, more families are considering cremation as a practical and respectful alternative. It offers flexibility for memorialisation and can be more affordable, especially as urban burial plots become scarce and expensive.
Cremation in Ghana currently offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional burial, with prices typically ranging from GH¢2,000 to GH¢5,000, depending on services and location. As burial costs continue to rise-sometimes exceeding GH¢4,900 in public cemeteries and up to GH¢47,000 in private memorial parks-cremation is likely to become an increasingly attractive option for Ghanaian families seeking dignified and manageable end-of-life arrangements.
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