The Tema Traditional Council (TTC) has introduced a set of by-laws to regulate the conduct of funerals and related social activities within the Tema Traditional Area.
The bylaws were aimed at preserving cultural values and reducing the growing financial burden on bereaved families.
The directive, issued on March 17, 2026, followed what the TTC described as the “unwholesome” commercialisation and introduction of “foreign” practices into traditional funeral rites.
The acting President of the TTC and Mankralo of Tema, Nii Adjetey Agbo II, explained that the measures were intended to promote modesty, preserve tradition and protect bereaved families from undue financial strain.
The TTC indicated that funerals in recent times have deviated from long-standing customs, attracting excessive display of wealth and practices alien to the traditions of the people.
He explained that the new guidelines, developed in collaboration with the Tema Obuade Weku Nukpai Akpee (Tema Clan Heads Association), sought to restore order and cultural integrity in funeral observances.
Coffin presentation
As part of the measures, the council has placed strict limits on items permitted during the presentation of coffins or caskets.
These include only the coffin and clothing for the deceased, one bottle of Castle Bridge, one gallon of local gin, one crate each of canned malt and beer, and two boxes of bottled water.
The council emphasised that no additional items should be presented or shared during this stage.
Time regulations
To control noise and ensure order, the TTC also imposed strict timelines for funeral activities.
The council said all activities at funeral grounds must end by 7:00 p.m., with the volume of music reduced by 10:00 p.m. during wake-keeping.
It added that after-funeral parties and outdoor events were also required to close by 8:00 p.m.
The by-laws prescribe penalties for violations, including a fine of GH₵5,000 imposed on clan heads who fail to enforce the directives; public address operators, or spinners were also subject to.
It said operators who breached the rules faced fines, while bereaved families would bear additional penalties, adding that repeat offenders risk a six-month ban from operating within the TTA.
Restoring cultural sanity
The Secretary and Spokesperson of the Tema Traditional Council, Nii Amarh Somponu II, said enforcement of these by-laws would usher in a new era of modest and culturally appropriate funeral practices.
He added that the adherence to the rules would significantly reduce unnecessary financial pressures on families, while promoting unity, discipline and respect for tradition within the Tema community.
Writer’s email:
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh