By: John S. Morlu II, CPA
In most parts of the world, funerals are solemn, quiet, and private. In Ghana? They’re social events. They’re louder than some concerts, more crowded than an Accra TroTro at rush hour, and sometimes more expensive than a small wedding.
You haven’t really been to a funeral until you’ve seen a lineup of food vendors, a hired DJ dropping Afrobeats, and a “respectable” uncle in a dashiki waving a chicken over a coffin.
The Funeral Economy
Funerals here aren’t just “services” — they’re productions. They have more moving parts than a tech startup, and cost more than the car you’ll drive to the event. You’ll see posters go up around town weeks in advance — with a professionally edited photo of the deceased from 1974, the date, the venue, and the time. Not to mention a tagline like, “Gone But Not Forgotten,” which is followed by a picture of a flashy coffin that’s more expensive than your rent.
The guest list? Massive. Expect your relatives, random neighbors, a friend of a friend’s sister, distant uncles from Canada (who you didn’t know existed), and a VIP list of politicians who somehow make it into every event. “I didn’t know Uncle Kofi was running for office again,” you’ll think. But here, it’s all about the show.
Fun Fact: In Ghana, there’s an unspoken competition to see whose funeral video gets the most drone shots. Yes, drones — which have more views than most weddings. So if you’ve got the budget for a drone, congratulations: you’re officially a big deal.
The MC and DJ Show: Ghana’s Live Broadcast
The funeral isn’t just about the bride and groom. Oh no — it’s about the MC, who is both your motivational speaker and stand-up comedian. He’s also part-time psychologist.
At every funeral, the MC tells you exactly how much you should “love your neighbor” and “never let go of your dreams,” while simultaneously telling you that “we’re still waiting for Uncle Kofi to arrive” (he’s definitely still stuck in traffic and hasn’t even left home).
The DJ? He’s got one mission: to make sure there is always music. But there’s a catch: the music is often a blend of:
- Gospel (to please the elders),
- Highlife (to please the masses),
- And dancehall (to keep the youth from checking their phones).
By the time it’s over, you’ve heard at least five variations of “Bob Marley” and have danced to at least two “questionable” songs by unknown artists.
📅 Fun Fact: Some weddings feature DJs who act as real-time cheerleaders, yelling motivational phrases like, “YOU CAN DO IT!” and “SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOT!” in the middle of the party.
Food: The Real Star
Jollof rice, waakye, fried fish, goat soup, fried yam, kelewele… the spread could feed a small village — and sometimes it does. At a Ghanaian funeral, food is everything. It’s the glue that holds the entire thing together. Forget the ceremony, forget the eulogies; you come for the food. If you walk into a funeral without seeing plates stacked with food, it’s considered a tragedy, not just for the deceased but for the guests.
And don’t even get me started on the “sides.” There’s always one uncles who will take a plate and a takeaway box for later. And another who’ll arrive only for the jollof rice — and he doesn’t even know who died.
Fun Fact: Some guests actually attend multiple funerals in one day — purely for the food. They call it “funeral hopping”. One gentleman managed to attend five funerals in one Saturday in Accra, making sure his “stomach business” was sorted before the 7 p.m. deadline.
The Wallet Woes
Whether you’re the groom, a guest, or just a plus-one, prepare your wallet for heavy lifting. Gifts are expected, but not just “congratulations” cards. We’re talking cash-filled envelopes, rice cookers, blenders, and even livestock. I’ve seen people pull up to funerals with live goats, which are immediately paraded to the front as if they were the most valuable guest. I swear, the goat might get more attention than the actual mourners.
True Story: At one funeral in Kumasi, a man gave a live chicken as a gift. The MC paused, acknowledged it, and then said, “Let us all thank God for the chicken.” The crowd clapped. And then the chicken clucked. The end.
Weekend Funeral Season
Just like weddings, funerals have their peak months. The months leading up to December become a full-on funeral marathon. You don’t just go to a funeral; you mentally prepare for it like it’s the Super Bowl. Traffic is insane, roads are blocked, and Uber rides to funerals cost more than the coffin.
The thing is, it’s impossible to avoid funerals. Everyone in Ghana knows that the moment you hear a loudspeaker blaring “Abena has gone to rest,” you are expected to show up with respect, an envelope, and perhaps even a speech.
Funeral Dance Challenge
Ghanaian funerals are renowned for their surprise dance performances. Imagine the bride’s squad, but more dramatic and even louder. Everyone gets a chance to dance, from the widowed auntie to the youngest cousin (who may or may not still be in diapers).
And when the “pallbearers” take the coffin for a final dance, trust me — it is a choreographed performance like no other. Those men move that casket like it’s a delicate piece of gold. Respect.
Why It Matters
Yes, it’s money. Yes, it’s effort. And yes, there’s a strange mix of sorrow and celebration. But funerals here have a purpose: they’re community builders, they’re social statements, and they’re platforms for celebration. And behind it all, a culture that refuses to say goodbye without style.
A Ghanaian funeral teaches you a valuable lesson: you don’t just mourn someone — you celebrate life. There’s joy in grief, power in remembrance, and most importantly, we never forget to eat.
Final Word
In Ghana, funerals are grander than weddings. They’re not just about showing up — they’re about showing off. So, get your best outfit, your wallet, and maybe even a goat — because it’s time to dance, eat, and embrace the culture of eternal celebration.
Author: John S. Morlu II, CPA is the CEO and Chief Strategist of JS Morlu, leads a globally recognized public accounting and management consultancy firm. Under his visionary leadership, JS Morlu has become a pioneer in developing cutting-edge technologies across B2B, B2C, P2P, and B2G verticals. The firm’s groundbreaking innovations include AI-powered reconciliation software (ReckSoft.com) and advanced cloud accounting solutions (FinovatePro.com), setting new industry standards for efficiency, accuracy, and technological excellence.