Stories and facts
Mortuary fees in Ghana vary depending on the type of service, location, and facilities provided, reflecting the growing demand for professional care of the deceased amid changing funeral practices.
Public mortuaries operated by government agencies or hospitals typically charge modest fees for basic services such as body storage and preservation, while private mortuaries and funeral homes offer more comprehensive packages that include embalming, refrigeration, and preparation of the body for burial or cremation.
According to official fee schedules from district assemblies, burial or cemetery fees in Ghana can range from approximately GH₵500 for adult burials in public cemeteries to higher amounts for special tombs or reserved plots.
For example, traditional cemeteries like Osu and Awudome charge grave space fees of about GH₵550 to GH₵800, whereas private cemeteries such as those managed by Lashibi Funeral Homes lease grave spaces at significantly higher rates, around GH₵26,200 for a 20-year lease, offering garden-like environments that provide families with a dignified resting place for their loved ones. These private options have become increasingly popular despite their higher costs, as many families seek more respectful and serene burial settings.
Mortuary services themselves may include fees for refrigeration, embalming, and body preparation, which vary by facility and the level of care required. Embalming and preservation services are often essential for families who wish to hold extended viewings or funerals that last several days. Private funeral homes may bundle these services into packages that can cost tens of thousands of Ghanaian cedis, depending on the inclusions, such as caskets, transportation, and ceremonial arrangements.
The Ministry of Health’s Mortuary Services Agency oversees standards and licensing for mortuaries, ensuring that facilities operate within regulated guidelines to maintain hygiene and respect for the deceased. Recent calls for all mortuary and funeral facilities to obtain operational licenses by early 2025 reflect efforts to professionalise the industry and protect families from substandard services.
In addition to mortuary fees, families should anticipate other related costs such as transportation of the deceased, coffin purchase or rental, burial permits, and cemetery maintenance fees. These combined expenses contribute to the overall financial burden of funerals in Ghana, which can range from affordable to quite costly depending on the choices made.
As urban cemeteries reach capacity, there are ongoing policy discussions about reusing graves after 25 years to address land scarcity, which may influence future mortuary and burial fees. Meanwhile, private cemeteries continue to offer alternatives with premium pricing, catering to families seeking lasting memorials in well-maintained environments.
Mortuary fees in Ghana reflect a spectrum of services from basic body storage in public facilities to comprehensive funeral packages in private establishments. Families planning funerals should consider these costs carefully, balancing tradition, dignity, and affordability while navigating an evolving funeral industry that increasingly emphasises professionalism and quality care.
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