Serve funeral guests according to their donations - Lower Axim Traditional Council directs

The Lower Axim Traditional Council, in a bid to address the growing number of disputes arising from funeral debts, has directed residents to serve funeral attendees according to the size of their donations.

According to a 3news.com report cited by GhanaWeb, the Council, led by Paramount Chief Awulae Attibrukusu III, has proposed that families hosting funerals require guests to present donation receipts.

Guests will then be served in proportion to their contributions.

The Council explained that the measure aims to reduce the frequent loan-related disputes it is called upon to mediate, which it described as wasteful and avoidable.

“It is depressing to have to sit for long hours resolving loan disputes for funerals when such time could be devoted to discussing and finding solutions to the myriad development challenges facing communities under my care,” the Paramount Chief said.

He noted that while families often go to great lengths to host lavish celebrations and serve guests generously, attendees sometimes donate very little, leaving behind debts for the bereaved family.

“People donate little yet take more than their share of food and souvenirs,” Awulae Attibrukusu III remarked. “In the end, there’s a problem. While I condemn such acts, it is also important for bereaved families to be measured in what they provide at funerals, especially when they rely on loans to finance them.”

The Traditional Council also announced a ban on funerals being held on public roads, citing the inconvenience caused to motorists.

“Funerals will no longer be organized on roads; they will be held at community parks,” he said. “The inconvenience of having to change your driving route unexpectedly because of a funeral is too much. We will also ensure that all funerals are conducted in a single day and at one location, so we don’t have two services at different venues at the same time.”

He further revealed that the Council is in talks with the Nzema East Municipal Assembly to draft by-laws that will formalise the new arrangements and give authorities the power to prosecute offenders.

GA/MA

Meanwhile, watch the trailer to GhanaWeb’s yet-to-air documentary on teenage girls and how fish is stealing their futures below: