The last journey. Funerals in Ghana

Life in the anteroom to the beyond. In Africa, where there is a deeply rooted belief that death is the gateway to everlasting life, it is no surprise that death is considered something to celebrate. However, in Ghana, things have got out of hand. Funeral “shopping lists” have become an orgy of pointless extravagance, which are ruining thousands of families in this country. Poor families are forced to take out loans and go into debt, even bankrupting themselves to pay for an opulent ceremony and a great send off for their deceased loved ones. It is the most important event of their lives, far more important - and expensive - than a wedding. Sometimes, funerals are such grand affairs that they take place months, or even years, after the person dies. Getting the entire family together can be difficult, particularly when some live abroad. The average monthly salary in Ghanaian is €300 and funeral can cost anything from €5,000 to €15,000. Preparing the perfect funeral is time consuming and difficult.