The Tema Traditional Council has placed a ban on extravagant funerals, naming ceremonies and related social events that impose financial burdens on residents and contribute to public nuisance within the community.
Nii Amarh Soumponu II, Tema Stool Secretary and Shipi, announced the directive during a media briefing, noting that the decision was taken in consultation with traditional authorities across the Greater Accra Region and clan heads within Tema.
He said the ban applies to Tema township and surrounding communities under the jurisdiction of the Tema Traditional Area.
According to him, the growing trend of lavish social events is forcing individuals to take loans and divert resources from essential needs such as education, leading to negative social outcomes, including school dropouts.
Nii Soumponu also indicated that such activities contribute to noise nuisance and disorder, which affect the image and development of the town.
He explained that all clan heads have been directed to sensitise their members, adding that task forces will be set up to ensure compliance.
He warned that those who flout the directive will be summoned before traditional authorities and sanctioned accordingly.
“The traditional authorities will not sit aloof and watch the youth waste away due to parental neglect, where resources are spent on unnecessary ceremonies instead of investing in their future,” he said.
He further announced that all social and religious activities, including church services and all-night programmes, must end by 2200 hours.
He added that the practice of blocking roads for celebrations has also been banned, stressing that events should commence by 18:00 hours and end within the stipulated time.
According to him, the Council will collaborate with security agencies, including the Police, to enforce the new measures and restore order in the community.
He emphasised that although discussions on regulating such activities had been ongoing, the leadership is now committed to strict enforcement.
“This time, the leaders will not hesitate to deal with any clan head who permits extravagant funerals in the town,” he cautioned.
As part of the directive, the Council has outlined items permitted for funeral rites, including a coffin and burial accessories, one bottle of schnapps, one gallon of local gin (akpeteshie), one crate of canned malt, one crate of canned beer, and two boxes of bottled water.
Nii Adjetey Agbo II, Mankralo of Tema and acting President of the Council, said plans are underway to designate a common ground for hosting events to ensure proper regulation.
He stressed that the success of the directive will depend on the cooperation of residents, urging the community to comply with the new measures to promote discipline, reduce social pressure and support development in Tema.
