In accordance with customs and traditions, the Ga Traditional Council has issued a formal notice of a temporary suspension of funeral rites and related activities within the Greater Accra region. This suspension is set to take effect from October 15 to October 29, 2023.
The decision to temporarily ban funerals in Accra is a critical aspect of the preparations leading up to the funeral ceremony of the late Ga Manye, Naa Dedei Omaedru III, who passed away in December 2022. Ambassador Sylvester Parker Allotey, the Chief of Protocol at the Office of the Ga Mantse, has emphasized that this ban is a necessary measure to ensure the seamless and orderly conduct of the funeral proceedings for the late Ga Manye.
Effective October 15, all funeral activities will be prohibited in the region for a period of two weeks, specifically designated for the rites leading to the final farewell for the queen’s mother. Furthermore, there will be no installation of any traditional officeholders until after the funeral ceremonies have concluded. During the week of the burial, additional measures will be implemented, which will be communicated to the public in due course.
These measures are expected to include temporary closures of certain commercial activities, including shops, and specific street closures to facilitate the smooth execution of funeral proceedings.
The decision by the Ga Traditional Council to temporarily ban funerals in Accra is aimed at giving the late Ga Manye the honour and respect she deserves during her final rites. The Council’s proactive approach demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that the funeral ceremonies are conducted in a dignified and organized manner, reflecting the rich cultural traditions of the Ga people.
