The Somé Traditional Council in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta region has outlined some measures to cut down on expensive funerals organized by bereaved families within the traditional area.
In a statement issued and signed on January 31, 2024, by the Paramount Chief and President of the council, Torgbiga Adama III, all citizens of the traditional area are to comply with the new directive.
“This has become necessary to the Council due to the long period and the huge money, we as a people spend and waste on our funeral celebrations,”the statement read.
It also noted that, some families plan their funerals Monday to Sunday which hinder the growth of the local economy.
The council noted with great concern how members of the communities residing abroad are severely punished for not participating in this long duration of their funeral celebrations.
The Somé Traditional Council stated that processes for this new change began last year when a committee was formed to submit a report for consideration.
The Standing Committee of the Council was then formed for a thorough discussion and implementation.
A seven-member committee headed by Torgbi Atiane is tasked to engage community members within the area to educate opinion leaders and the citizens on the new funeral plans which would last for the next five months.
Officially, the new funeral plans will take effect from June 2024.
It is the hope of the Paramount Chief, Torgbiga Adama III, and his sub-chiefs that all citizens of Somé will take up their civic responsibility and participate in the ongoing community engagement on the new funeral arrangements to make the program inclusive and successful.
Below is the full Statement
By Sylvia Edit Awuye || Ghananewsonline.com.gh