EMEMERGING TRENDS OF FUNERAL EXPENDITURE CAUSES AND EFFECTS IN THE NADOWLI DISTRICT OF THE UPPER WEST REGION, GHANA

Abstract

Funeral expenditure is as old as Adam. High expenditure which results in grand funerals however, is of recent especially in the Nadowli District. It has taken root in the people to the extent that calls from different authorities advising them to minimize it have not been listened to. To many, it is the act of paying homage to the dead to gain their favour here on earth. Yet, others believe that it is on occasion for bereaved families to show case their wealth for self-glorification. No matter what reasons one gives, the ramifications of this expenditure on poor striking rural people besieged with many problems cannot be justified. Hence, this study examined the emerging trends of funeral expenditure: causes and effects in the Nadowli District. The study was carried out in three traditional areas of the Nadowli district (Kaleo, Nadowli and Bussie), and a mixed methods research approach was used. The study adopted multi-stage purposive sampling technique The study found out that mortuary fee, coffin expenses, expenses on food and drinks served and so on attract high funeral expenditure in the area. The study also revealed that the fear of the dead is the chief motivator of all expenditure in funerals. The study finally found out that funeral expenditure has two effects on society: the positives and the negatives. The study concludes that, funerals rites in the Nadowli District are costly and must be looked at again in order to reduce it impact on bereaved families.