Swedru bans expensive funerals

The Swedruman Council of Chiefs has imposed a ban on expensive funeral activities which creates financial burden on bereaved families.

Addressing the Council, which took the decision at its weekly meeting at Agona Swedru, Nana Okrupi Aseidu Kobina Botwe II, Swedruhene and President of the Council; said the serving of food, drinks and snacks at the funeral grounds has been abolished in the area with immediate effect.

According to Nana Botwe buying of funeral clothes in any form by the family members and friends has also been banned.

The Swedruhene said offenders would face a fine of GH¢500 and a bottle of schnapps, adding that, minors, especially school children at funeral grounds is also forbidden.

He said parents and guardians of offending children shall face fines of not less than GH¢50.

Nana Botwe said printing of posters, serving of assorted food, and drinks during the celebration of One Week or commemoration organized for unburied corpses has also been abolished with immediate effect.

The Swedruhene said the Council has directed that henceforth, bereaved families, through the Abusuapanyin shall inform the Oman funeral committee, along with one bottle of local gin (Akepeteshie) and fix a date convenient to all parties for the funeral

Nana Botwe said vehicles conveying corpses and mourners from the mortuary should not hoot their horns and drive recklessly on the streets, and that offenders will face a penalty of GHC500 and a bottle of schnapps.

Source: GNA