Stories and facts

In Ghanaian culture, the eulogy, especially one delivered for a deceased wife, holds profound significance as both a cultural ritual and a heartfelt tribute during funeral ceremonies.

Traditionally, when a wife passes away, the eulogy becomes a public acknowledgement of her life, character, and the role she played within her family and community. This tribute is often presented by a respected family member or elder who speaks to her virtues, such as devotion, kindness, strength, and love, and also to her contributions as a mother, wife, and active supporter of her spouse’s endeavours. In many Ghanaian societies, the wife’s position in the family is highly valued, and the eulogy is a moment to celebrate that unique standing through stories, proverbs, and praise poetry that highlight her legacy.

The delivery of a wife’s eulogy is embedded within a larger funeral ritual that involves the gathering of extended family, friends, and community members. It is not uncommon for the eulogy to be accompanied by traditional music, drumming, and sometimes dance, creating a sensory experience where grief is shared collectively but is also balanced with celebration. The use of local languages and proverbs in the eulogy is important, as these connect mourners to their cultural heritage.

In some ethnic groups, such as the Akan, funerals and the eulogies within them are influenced by gender expectations. While men are often expected to display restrained emotions, women at funerals may express their grief vocally through lamentations. The eulogy for a wife, therefore, serves to bridge these cultural norms by verbally expressing respect and appreciation that some mourners may not be able to communicate openly.

It reinforces the social identity of the deceased wife and comforts the bereaved husband and family by affirming her honourable place in their history.

Moreover, the eulogy does more than honour the deceased; it underscores values of loyalty, sacrifice, and familial duty. It carries cultural teachings about the ideal qualities of a wife and often serves as a reminder to the living about the roles and responsibilities within marriage and family life. This function makes the eulogy a living document of cultural identity and social continuity.

In some Ghanaian funerals, the prominence of the eulogy also reflects the importance placed on storytelling as a way to preserve memory. Through detailed anecdotes, recollections, and moral lessons embedded in the eulogy, the wife’s life story is passed into the collective memory of the community, ensuring she is remembered as a wife and as a person whose presence influenced many lives.

The eulogy for a wife in Ghana is a culturally rich and deeply meaningful practice. It honours the deceased with respect and dignity, articulates the social values tied to womanhood and marriage, and creates a space for communal grieving and remembrance. Through it, the stories and legacy of wives continue to inspire and inform future generations within Ghana’s diverse cultural landscape.

Learn more about Ghanaian funeral traditions in the collection below