Tema Traditional Council introduces new rules for funerals

The Tema Traditional Council (TTC) has announced new bye-laws aimed at regulating funerals within the Tema Traditional Area.

According to a report by graphic.com.gh, the directive was announced during a media briefing on March 17, 2026.

The Acting President of the TTC and Mankralo of Tema, Nii Adjetey Agbo II, explained that the move seeks to promote cultural values and reduce financial burden on bereaved families.

He said as part of the new bye-laws, “TTC has placed strict limits on items permitted during the presentation of coffins or caskets.

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"These include only the coffin and clothing for the deceased, one bottle of Castle Bridge, one gallon of akpeteshie, one crate each of canned malt and beer, and two boxes of bottled water.”

It warned that no other items should be presented during this stage.

The report further noted that, as part of efforts to control noise levels and ensure order, TTC has also imposed timelines on funeral activities.

"The council said all activities at funeral grounds must end by 7:00 pm, with the volume of music reduced by 10:00 pm during wake-keeping. It added that after-funeral parties and outdoor events must also close by 8:00 pm.

"The by-laws prescribe penalties for violations, including a fine of GH¢5,000 imposed on clan heads who fail to enforce the directives," it noted.

TTC said operators who breach the new rules will be sanctioned.

"Operators who breach the rules face fines, while bereaved families will bear additional penalties, adding that repeat offenders risk a six-month ban from operating within the Tema Traditional Area," it added.

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