Nii Adjetey Agbo II, Acting President of the Tema Traditional Council and Mankralo of Tema, says the Council is taking steps to stop expensive funerals in the area.
Speaking to the media during the 2025 Homowo celebrations, Nii Agbo explained that the decision aims to protect the future of children by encouraging parents to spend more on their care and education instead of lavish funerals.
“We are going to ban the buying of special funeral clothes in Tema and also stop the trend of expensive funeral celebrations. We want our brothers in La, Nungua, Teshie, and Osu to do the same so funerals can be simple and respectful,” he said.
He noted that funerals, once meant to be solemn occasions to honor the dead, have now turned into costly events. Families spend huge amounts on funeral cloths and parties (locally called gbonyo parties) that sometimes last deep into the night.
According to Nii Agbo, the money used for such events should rather be invested in the welfare of surviving children to help secure their future and strengthen the community.
He expressed concern that many parents are neglecting their duties, leading to an increase in youth misconduct, including drug abuse and other social vices.
“If everyone had CCTV cameras at home and watched them at night, they would be shocked at what some of the youth are doing,” he warned.
The Mankralo said the Council has already met with religious leaders and the Municipal Chief Executive to find ways to tackle the issue. Plans include educating parents on their responsibilities and taking action against those who promote or engage in extravagant funeral practices.
source: myjoyonline
