Stories and facts

In Ghana, mortuaries serve as facilities for preserving bodies and are deeply embedded in the country’s cultural and funeral traditions. The role of the mortuary reflects both the country’s evolving traditions and the enduring values of respect, community, and celebration that define Ghanaian funerals.

Traditionally, Ghanaian funerals were swift, with burials taking place soon after death for practical and cultural reasons. This practice was rooted in beliefs about the journey of the soul and the need to return the deceased to the earth quickly.

However, the introduction of mortuaries has transformed this aspect of Ghanaian culture. Now, families often keep loved ones in the mortuary for several months, sometimes even up to a year, to allow time for relatives to travel home and for thorough preparations to be made.

Mortuaries have enabled funerals to become major social events, often more extravagant than weddings. The extra time provided by mortuary storage allows families to plan detailed ceremonies, gather extended family from across the globe, and organise celebrations that reflect the deceased’s status and the family’s honour.

While mortuaries were once foreign to Ghanaian customs, they are now considered essential to the funeral process. This evolution represents a balance between tradition and modernity, families can honour age-old rituals while embracing new practices that allow for larger, more inclusive gatherings.

Mortuaries have also influenced the economic and social dynamics of funerals, sometimes increasing the cost and scale of ceremonies but also reinforcing the importance of community and collective remembrance.

Despite these changes, the core of Ghanaian funeral culture remains unchanged, a time to celebrate life, honour the dead, and strengthen communal bonds.

Mortuaries have simply provided a new way for families to express these values, ensuring that every farewell is meaningful and reflective of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.

Explore the collection to learn more about Ghanaian funeral traditions.