Stories and facts
Kwahu, an area steeped in history and embraced by the majestic beauty of Ghana's Eastern Region is home to the Kwahu people who are proud members of the Twi-speaking Akan group. The introduction of mortuaries in this region has significantly altered the traditional practices surrounding death and funerals the dynamics surrounding death and funeral ceremonies have evolved due to the emergence of mortuaries. What was once a swift transition from death to burial has now transformed into a precisely planned affair, with mortuaries assuming a pivotal role in extending the first phase between passing and the ultimate farewell. This evolution not only reflects the change in cultural norms but also signifies broader changes within the social, economic, and technological spheres.
In the Kwahu area, the introduction of mortuaries has led to a departure from immediate burial practices, rooted in cultural tradition. Previously swift burials were the norm for practical reasons and cultural traditions. However, the introduction of mortuaries now allows families to delay funerals which enables them to make elaborate preparations, bringing together relatives from all over, sometimes even from other countries. This extension of time not only helps with logistics but also adds a new level of meaning to funerals, turning them into extravagant and celebratory events that emphasize family honour and importance.
The commercial aspect of death has ushered in a new era of financial considerations for families, who now encounter substantial expenses in arranging lavish funerals. Families are now faced with significant costs to organize lavish and vibrant funeral ceremonies, often seeking financial support from relatives living abroad. Additionally, this trend has turned mortality into a profitable business for hospitals and mortuary owners, offering services ranging from preservation techniques to elaborate funeral arrangements as a lucrative source of income. This shift in viewing death as a commodity raises important questions about how society values farewells and the financial burden placed on grieving families.
The transition towards extravagant and colourful funeral displays reflects broader societal transformations within Ghana, including changes in attitudes toward death, the significance of social stature, and the massive influence of globalisation. The long-lasting inceptive interval facilitated by mortuaries has evolved into an occasion for families to emphasize their societal standing, utilising funerals as a platform to display wealth and social networks. This preparatory phase exceeds mere mourning; it serves as a mechanism for reinforcing interpersonal bonds and hierarchical structures.
The integration of mortuaries into funeral customs symbolizes a delicate balance between upholding traditional values and adapting to modern requirements. While some perceive this evolution as a departure from cultural authenticity, others regard it as an inevitable accommodation to modern realities. The essential point of the challenge lies in preserving the essence of Ghanaian funeral traditions while reconciling them with the demands of contemporary existence.
As Kwahu, alongside the broader Ghanaian community, grapples with the complexities of modernizing funeral practices, the community stands at a crossroads between tradition and innovation. Mortuaries, which were once foreign entities in Ghana's funerary culture, have now become a prerequisite in the commemoration of the dead. While they usher in new challenges, they also present opportunities for families to commemorate the lives of their loved ones in a manner that reflects both their cultural inheritance and their position in an ever-evolving world.
In analysing the evolution of funeral customs in Kwahu, it has become apparent that mortuaries have not only redefined Ghanaian's approach to death but have also exerted a profound influence on the societal fabric itself. Amidst these adaptations, the fundamental essence of Ghanaian funerals, which is to celebrate life, honour the dead, and reinforce communal bonds remains steadfast, transcending the evolving rituals that accompany it.
