The Traditional Council of Manso Datano in the Ashanti Region has banned the observance of one week funeral rites as the community seeks to reduce the growing financial burden associated with funerals.
The directive, announced by the Queen Mother of Manso Datano, Nana Nyame Pomaa, will take effect from Monday, October 6, 2026, and remain in force indefinitely.
According to Nana Nyame Pomaa, the decision was unanimously reached by the traditional council, elders and opinion leaders following extensive deliberations on the economic pressures families face when organising funeral rites.
The traditional authorities said the move is intended to ease the financial strain on bereaved families and encourage a more manageable approach to funeral observances.
The one week gathering, which is widely observed in many Ghanaian communities as an early stage of funeral arrangements and mourning, can involve significant expenditure on food, drinks, accommodation and other logistical arrangements.
By abolishing the practice in Manso Datano, the traditional council hopes families will be spared some of these expenses at a time when they are already dealing with the loss of a loved one.
The ban will take effect across the community from October 6, with the traditional council expected to oversee compliance with the directive.
