From Sir John to Ernest Kumi: Public figures with 'giant' resting places

In Ghana, the tradition of honouring the dead with grandeur continues to evolve.

As of 2025, the practice of building new homes as final resting places for prominent figures shows no signs of fading.

The trend gained national attention in 2020 when Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, popularly known as Sir John, the New Patriotic Party’s General Secretary, passed away on July 1.

His burial became the talk of the town after pictures and videos of his plush tomb surfaced online. The mansion-like structure dedicated solely to his remains was described as a sight to behold.

Since then, several other public figures and politicians have followed a similar path; being laid to rest in self-styled, lavish houses built specifically for their bodies.

See the list of public figures who have had giant resting places so far

Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie (Sir John)

The former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) died on July 1, 2020. His burial at Sakora Wonoo in the Ashanti Region became a national spectacle after pictures of his mansion‑like tomb went viral.

The grandeur of the structure sparked debate and established a new benchmark for how prominent figures are honoured in death.



Theresa Aba Kufuor

Theresa Kufuor, Ghana’s former First Lady and wife of President John Agyekum Kufuor, passed away on October 1, 2023, at the age of 87.

She was honoured with a full state burial on November 16, 2023, beginning at the forecourt of the State House in Accra and concluding in Kumasi. Unlike mansion-style tombs, her burial stood out for its national symbolism and state recognition.



Rev Anthony Boakye

Rev Anthony Boakye, founder of the Resurrection Power New Generation Church, was also honoured with a specially constructed mausoleum after his death.

According to his congregation, they built the structure to reflect his influence and the respect he commanded within Ghana’s religious community.



John Kumah

Next on the list is John Kumah, a former Member of Parliament for Ejisu and Deputy Minister of Finance, who passed away in March 2024 after a period of illness.

His burial, held on May 18, 2024, drew widespread attention not only because of the dignitaries who attended but also because of the nature of his final resting place.

John Kumah was laid to rest at the Aduapakye Royal Cemetery in Ejisu, where a specially constructed tomb, complete with glass doors and modern finishing, was built for him.

The plush design of the mausoleum sparked conversations across social media in 2024.

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Ernest Yaw Kumi

Last but not least to join this list is Ernest Yaw Kumi, the late MP for Akwatia.

He died in July 2025.

According to reports, prior to his passing, he had been building a mansion in Wenchi where he planned to settle with his family. After his death, the family completed the house and chose it as his final resting place.

This decision has since sparked conversations online about the symbolism of dedicating such a structure to the deceased.

Watch the full house constructed on a fenced plot of land, purposefully built as the final resting place of the late MP for Akwatia, Hon. Ernest Kumi. pic.twitter.com/872RKnxsJ8

— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) December 8, 2025

VKB/EB

Meanwhile, watch as former President Kufuor shares how he became a Catholic and a Freemason