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Exploring Funeral Tourism In Ghana: Honoring Traditions And Celebrating Culture
Funeral tourism is a unique and increasingly popular form of tourism that allows individuals from different cultures and backgrounds to immerse themselves in the rich and diverse traditions associated with funerals around the world. Ghanaian funerals are not only solemn occasions for bidding farewell to loved ones but also colorful celebrations that reflect the culture, beliefs, and heritage of the people.
The Significance of Funerals in Ghanaian Culture
Funerals in Ghana are deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of the society and hold immense cultural, social, and spiritual significance. Ghanaians believe in celebrating the life of the deceased and honoring their memory through elaborate ceremonies that often last for several days. These ceremonies provide an opportunity for family and community members to come together, share their grief, and pay their respects.
Ghanaian funerals are often characterized by lively music, vibrant dance, and colorful attire. The celebratory atmosphere is intended to reflect the belief that the departed individual has transitioned to the ancestral world and is still a part of the community.
The Peculiarities of Ghanaian Funerals
Ghanaian funerals are known for their distinctive characteristics and rituals. The duration of the mourning period, the type of rituals performed, and the specific practices can vary based on factors such as the ethnic group, region, and social status of the deceased. However, some common elements are present across various Ghanaian funerals:
- Duration of the Funeral:
– Ghanaian funerals can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the family’s wishes and cultural practices. The duration allows family members and the community to gather, mourn, and celebrate the life of the departed.
- Traditional Attire:
– Mourners often wear specially designed funeral attire which is usually adorned with symbolic patterns and motifs. The colors and designs of the attire may signify the relationship between the mourner and the deceased.
- Funeral Rites and Ceremonies:
– Ceremonies often involve pouring libations, symbolic gestures, and prayers. Traditional priests or spiritual leaders play a vital role in guiding these ceremonies.
- Music and Dance:
– Music and dance are fundamental elements of Ghanaian funerals, providing a sense of celebration amidst the sorrow. Local bands and drummers perform traditional rhythms, and people dance to honor the departed.
- Display of Wealth:
– The family of the deceased often showcases their status and affluence during the funeral, through lavish displays, food, and entertainment for attendees.
Attracting Tourists: Understanding Funeral Tourism in Ghana
Funeral tourism in Ghana has gained traction over the years, attracting both local and international visitors interested in experiencing the unique cultural festivities associated with Ghanaian funerals. These tourists are eager to engage with the culture, witness the vibrant ceremonies, and gain a deeper understanding of the role funerals play in Ghanaian society.
- Cultural Exchange:
– Funeral tourism allows visitors to engage in a cultural exchange by participating in traditional Ghanaian rituals, learning about the beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife, and gaining insights into the art and craft associated with funerals.
- Educational Experience:
– Tourists can learn about the history, traditions, and beliefs of the Ghanaian people through firsthand experiences at funerals. This educational aspect provides a unique and enriching experience for travelers.
- Economic Impact:
– Funeral tourism contributes to the local economy by generating revenue for businesses involved in hospitality, transportation, catering, and event planning. Additionally, artisans and craftsmen benefit from the sale of funeral-related items.
- Promoting Ghana’s Tourism Industry:
– By promoting funeral tourism, Ghana can attract more tourists, boost tourism revenue, and establish itself as a culturally diverse and vibrant travel destination.
Conclusion
Funeral tourism in Ghana is a fascinating and culturally enriching experience that allows individuals to immerse themselves in the unique and vibrant traditions associated with Ghanaian funerals. Through this form of tourism, visitors not only pay their respects to the departed but also gain a deeper appreciation for the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Ghana.
As the world becomes more interconnected and travelers seek authentic and immersive experiences, funeral tourism in Ghana is poised to grow, contributing to the flourishing tourism industry and promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
By Johnny Arthur-Quarm
(Ghana Tourism Authority)
‘Return Conversations: Role of Film and Music in Uniting Global Africans’ Event Held To Strengthens Ties between Ghana and the Diaspora
Accra, Ghana – July 25, 2023 – The Ghana Tourism Authority as part of the Beyond the Return project has successfully hosted another edition of the ‘Return Conversations’ on July 25, 2023, at the Accra International Conference Centre. Themed ‘Role of Film and Music in Uniting Global Africans,’ the event brought together key stakeholders and luminaries from the music and film industries in Ghana and the United States, sparking thought-provoking discussions and fostering unity and interconnectedness among Global Africans.
The event featured captivating panel discussions, expertly facilitated by industry leaders and engaging speakers. The conversations delved into the ways in which film and music play a pivotal role in unifying Global Africans and fostering mutual growth and prosperity. This year hip-hop artist Ludacris came to Ghana and worked with local artists including Sarkodie to produce new music. Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa and Popcaan have all worked with local Ghanaian artists to make music that shines a spotlight on our local talents.
Most recently the film ‘Coming to Africa: Welcome to Ghana’ opened at Silverbird in Accra and Kumasi. One of the panelists, PY Addo-Boateng, was a producer and actor in the movie. The film was an example of the fruits of collaborative efforts between the diaspora and Ghanaians in the film industry.
The event showcased an exceptional lineup of speakers, each making significant contributions to their respective fields.
Speakers included:
- Jason Carter: CEO, ONE Music Festival. He is a visionary leader with over 20 years of lifestyle marketing and business start-up experience. Carter is the founder of the One Music Festival and is renowned for fostering collaboration and cultural exchange between artists worldwide.
- Jasmine Young: Director, Warner Music, and Blavatnik Center for Music Business – An influential figure in the music industry, advocating for artists’ rights and innovative music strategies.
- Trigmatic: Renowned Musician and supporter of arts and culture. The celebrated Ghanaian musician uses his music as a powerful tool to address social issues.
- Rocky Dawuni: Multiple Grammy-nominated artist and philanthropist. Dawuni, a critically acclaimed Ghanaian music icon, consistently advocates for the betterment of society and addresses environmental and social causes through the power of music.
- PY Addo-Boateng: Music Executive, Film Producer, Actor, and Event Producer. A multifaceted creative force contributing significantly to the entertainment industry in Africa.
- Robert Hardy: Film and TV Director, Film Producer, and Screenwriter. A seasoned professional with an impressive body of work in the film industry.
- Juliet Ibrahim: Multiple award-winning Actress, Film Producer, Author, and Entrepreneur. A talented artist with notable contributions to the film and entertainment industry in both Ghana and Nigeria.
- Ama K. Abebrese: Award-winning Actress, TV Presenter, and Producer. An accomplished performer and television personality with a passion for storytelling.
- Socrate Safo: Director, Filmmaker, and Director for Creative Arts at the National Commission on Culture. A prominent figure in Ghana’s film industry, advocating for the development of creative arts.
- AJ Johnson: Veteran Actress, TV Producer, Life Coach, and Philanthropist. Widely recognized for her roles in the movies ‘House Party’ and ‘Baby Boy’, Johnson is a multifaceted personality dedicated to empowering others and making a positive impact. Her passion for bridging the gap between Ghana and the diaspora is unwavering.
With so many platforms around the world expressing more interest in African content, the time is now for Ghana to work towards building an industry that can make a global impact. Partnering with the diaspora is one of the ways to develop and increase our reach to audiences. “I see the potential for greatness in our music and film industries,” said Annabelle McKenzie, Director of the Beyond the Return Secretariat. “The diaspora and Ghanaians can come together to tell some of the great stories from Africans and African Americans. Although we have some cultural differences due to being on different continents, we have so much more in common than we realize. This makes for great potential when it comes to storytelling in a unique way.”
” The Return Conversations is a gathering of minds where we embark on a journey to Bridge the gap. In a world that often divides is, this platform has opened up opportunities for us to use story-telling and the universal language of Music to unite us and celebrate our rich heritage” , said Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).
The event was a success as stakeholders in the film and music industry were in attendance including young up and coming artists who were there to network and learn from seasoned professionals. The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture was the special guest. Other attendees included Juliet Asante, CEO of the National Film Authority , Seth Adjei Baah , Board chair of GTA.
Beyond the Return Campaign – A Decade of African Renaissance
The event was part of Beyond the Return’s continued efforts since 2020 to connect with the diaspora community in the arts and business. The Beyond the Return campaign is a 10-year initiative with the theme, ‘A decade of African Renaissance.’ It operates under the Ghana Tourism Authority and is the follow-up to the successful Year of Return campaign in 2019, which witnessed an overwhelming response from the global African diaspora to come back to Ghana. The purpose of such events is to find ways to work together towards a common goal of building stronger connections in business, film, music, and entertainment overall. The talents in Ghana and the diaspora have the power to come together and create something great, and it all begins with dialogues where collective goals and visions can be forged.
For more information on the Beyond the Return campaign, please visit the website: www.beyondthereturngh.com.
African Diaspora in Ghana to join Beyond the Return to plant trees as Ghana goes green
The ‘Beyond The Return’ program is partnering with the local diaspora community to plant trees for the “Green Ghana Project,” which is an initiative championed by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Forestry Commission.
On Friday, 11th June 2021, five million trees will be planted across Ghana. Planting trees will help protect watersheds, reduce erosion and moderate the climate, and serve as habitat and provide food for many birds and other wildlife.
Diasporans representing the Diaspora Coalition, African American Association of Ghana, Ghana Caribbean Association, Omega Psi Phi Tau Chi chapter, and Voyajah will plant trees on behalf of the ‘Beyond The Return’ program and the Give Back Ghana” pillar.
About Beyond the Return
‘Beyond the Return’ is a 10-year initiative with the theme, ‘A Decade of African Renaissance’. The vision is to continue fostering relationships with the global diaspora community through tourism, investments and repatriation.
The initiative is a follow up to Ghana’s ‘Year of Return’ campaign and is Cordinated by the Ghana Tourism Authority under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.
For more information about ‘Beyond The Return’ visit www.beyondthereturngh.com or social media @beyondthereturn
Ghana Launches Domestic Tourism Campaign; #ExperienceGhana #ShareGhana
President Nana Akufo-Addo, has officially launched the Domestic and Regional Tourism Campaign designed to stimulate the tourism industry. Under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Ghana Tourism Authority, the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) and other tourism industry players, the official launch event took place on 1st June 2021 at Labadi Beach Hotel.
It was a full house as industry stakeholders were in attendance to inaugurate a campaign that will shift the tourism industry’s focus towards encouraging travel in Ghana and regional countries. In a speech read on his behalf, the President said, “Global tourism suffered its worst year on record in 2020, with international arrivals dropping by some 74% according to the latest data from the World Tourism Organization.” This is significant because Ghana’s tourism industry has historically benefitted from international travellers and with the impact of the global pandemic, the industry has experienced a serious decline. The President is confident that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Ghana Tourism Authority will achieve the targets of improving tourism through this new campaign. “The domestic tourism program, which was launched yesterday targets increasing domestic arrivals to 600,000 by 2022 and to one million by 2024.” as said in the president’s speech. “Whiles the West African regional target aims at increasing arrivals from 180,000 presently to 400,000 by 2024.”
The aim for this new campaign is to stimulate the economy as we travel within our own borders and to our neighboring ECOWAS countries. The campaign theme is #ExperienceGhana #ShareGhana. Travel industry stakeholders will be offering discounted packages on tours, accommodations, and transportation to encourage the public to take advantage and explore Ghana. The 18-month long campaign will also include contests open to the public that will offer exciting prize packages.
As part of the campaign, the ‘Travel Share and Win Contest’ was outdoors. In this contest, people traveling anywhere in Ghana can share their photos and videos on social media using the hashtag #ExperienceGhanaShareGhana #SeeEatWearGhana #TravelShareWin for a chance to win prizes. There is also the Write and Win contest where people are expected to write about their experiences and favorite places for a chance to win prizes. Other activities taking place during the 18-month long domestic tourism campaign include PANAFEST/Emancipation, Taste of Ghana (Gastronomy Fair), Meet in Ghana Travel Show and DecemberInGH.
A brand-new double-decker bus was unveiled with plans to use it for city tours to boost tourism within the city. The first trip outdooring the bus travelled through La, Osu and made its final stop at Independence Square. Some of Ghana’s popular artists were there to also lend their support in promoting Ghana’s new tourism campaign. Okyeame Kwame, Samini, Stonebwoy, MzVee, and Luxy OkpoYen were among those who attended. Okyeame Kwame put on a performance that paid homage to Ghana as he always does through his music and fashion. He dressed in clothing that paid homage to the Northern Region saying, “I am usually dressed to represent Ashanti Region, but today I am showcasing the North.”
The new campaign will create awareness, boost domestic tourism, and help to revive culture of travel among Ghanaians. Follow Ghana Tourism Authority on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on events, contests and upcoming activities.
#EXPERIENCEGHANA #SHAREGHANA
By: Ivy Prosper
Ghana’s Tourism Arrivals To Receive Boost With Arrival of United Airlines
This follows the re-launch of passenger flight operations from Washington to Accra by United Airlines. Its Dreamline 787 landed at the Kotoka International Airport on Saturday, May 15, 2021.
The U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie S. Sullivan said the start of the United Airlines service will also promote trade relations the two countries.
United Airlines, which is the 3rd largest airline in the world as measured by fleet size and number of routes, will compete with Delta on the Accra- New York JFK route.
Aviance, which has also been chosen as the ground handler for United Airlines, says it is very delighted to service the airline.
Mark Kamis, Managing Director of Aviance told AviationGhana that “we were very lucky that we have been handed the ground handling for United. We had the business back in 2015 when United was first here. So for Aviance we are very excited to be handling them again.”
The landing of the Dreamline 787 was welcomed by the US Ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie S. Sullivan, the Minister of Transport, MD of the Ghana Airport Company, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority who could not hide his joy as he exhibited his Adowa dance skills at the tarmac.
CEO of GTA @akwasizurich shows his Adowa dance skills as officials in the Tourism and Aviation Industry welcome @united‘s relaunch with 3x weekly flights from Washington to Accra.#VisitGhanaNow #ghana #us #unitedairlines #africa #discoverghana #saturday #saturdaymotivation pic.twitter.com/jlUz308xA2
— Ghana Tourism Authority (@ghanatourismGTA) May 15, 2021
Rider Rally Launched – To Start On Independence Day
Fever Pitch, a Sports Development and Talent Management Company, Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) have launched the maiden edition of the Rider Rally at a short ceremony.
Rider Rally is a series of long-distance Motor Bike endurance events of similar distances over intentionally mapped routes, meandering on asphalted roads, dirt-roads, foot-paths, hilly & mountainous terrain, forest reserves with custom-pit-stops at strategic Tourist sites. The maiden cross country Biking event comes off on Independence day, 6th March and it starts from Ghana – Togo Border at Aflao and ends at Ghana – Cote D’Ivoire border at Elubo on the 9th March. The three (3) day event is to serve as a precursor for a 13-week Biking Expedition which is expected to be climaxed at the end of May 2020. The mapped route for the Bikers will include Tourist sites and communities where Bikers will engage in culturally immersive activities.
Speaking at the launch, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Development Company indicated his outfit’s and that of Tourism Authority’s readiness to support unique but exciting sports tourism product. He said the growing interest in the sport by the middle class bodes well for the sport and it was for this reason of using the sport to promote Tourism and specifically Tourist sites that the GTDC and GTA came on board to support the event referencing the Ghana – Centre of the World Golf Tournament, another Sports Tourism product.
Mr. Daniel Ashrifie, a Biker and a Biking Instructor said he is on a mission to change the perception about Biking and Bikers in society hence his Biking training school and also advocated for responsible Biking. He commended his colleague Biker, Thomas Esiape Jnr aka JET for spearheading the Bikerslivesmatter initiative which is shaping the masses by doing the necessary to get into the inherent cognitive and perceptual powers of the mind of non-bikers who see Bikers as hazardous or dangers to society, criminals and hooligans.
In attendance were Bikers including pretty actress Nikki Samonas and Biker Groups. There were solidarity messages from Stephanie Benson and other celebrity Bikers. Balloting was done for the Teams taking part in the first event on Independence Day.
Nigeria National Defence College delegation pay courtesy call on GTA
A delegation from the Nigeria National Defence Council paid a courtesy call to the ghana tourism authority on last Thursday, 13th February 2020.
The delegation which included 21 faculty members and 22 participants were on a week’s study tour to ghana.
The delegation was led by the Deputy Commandant of the College, Major General A. E Attu and comprises Senior Officers of the Military, Police as well as some Senior Officials from other African countries.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, made a presentation on Ghana’s tourism to the delegation highlighting the ‘Year of Return’ and what Ghana was doing to sustain the gains with ‘Beyond The Return’.
Air commodore Kehinde Adebayo Gabriel thanked GTA for receiving the group and presented a plaque to Mr. Akwasi Agyeman. GTA on her part presented some tourism promotional materials to the delegation.