Tema Traditional Council Bans Extravagant Funerals and Noisy Social Events to Curb Waste and Nuisance
The Tema Traditional Council has imposed a strict ban on extravagant funerals, naming ceremonies, and other lavish social events that place heavy financial burdens on families and create public disturbances in the area.
The directive was announced by Nii Amarh Soumponu II, Tema Stool Secretary, during a media briefing on Monday. He stated that the decision was taken after wide consultations with traditional authorities across the Greater Accra Region and clan heads within the Tema Traditional Area.
The ban applies to Tema township and all surrounding communities under the jurisdiction of the Tema Traditional Council.
Nii Soumponu explained that the growing culture of expensive social events was forcing many people to take loans or divert money meant for essential needs such as children’s education, often resulting in school dropouts and long-term family hardship.
He also noted that such events frequently cause noise pollution, traffic congestion, and general disorder, which tarnish the image and development of the town.
To ensure compliance, all clan heads have been directed to sensitise their members about the new regulations. Task forces will be formed to monitor adherence, and anyone who violates the rules will be summoned before the 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,” Nii Soumponu warned.
Additional restrictions include:
- All social and religious activities, including church services and all-night programmes, must end by 10:00 p.m. (2200 hours).
- Blocking roads for celebrations is strictly prohibited.
- All events must start by 6:00 p.m. (18:00 hours) and conclude within the approved time.
The Traditional Council will work closely with the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to enforce the measures.
As part of the directive, only specific items will be permitted for funeral rites:
- One coffin and burial accessories
- One bottle of schnapps
- One gallon of local gin (akpeteshie)
- One crate of canned malt
- One crate of canned beer
- Two boxes of bottled water
Any additional items such as excessive food, drinks, or the traditional presentation of cloth by friends and family are now prohibited.
Nii Adjetey Agbo II, Mankralo of Tema and Acting President of the Tema Traditional Council, announced that plans are underway to designate a common ground where regulated events can be held. However, he stressed that the success of the new rules depends on the full cooperation of residents.
He called on all citizens to support the directive to promote discipline, reduce unnecessary social pressure, and contribute to the overall development and orderly growth of Tema.
This is the latest in a series of interventions by traditional authorities in Ghana aimed at curbing wasteful spending on social events and promoting more responsible community practices.
