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Estimating theFinancial Costs ofFuneral Celebrations inGhana: (A Case Study ofGreater Accra, Central andAshanti Regions)

Author

Listed:
  • John Kwame Adu Jack

    (Lecturer, Accounting, Banking and Finance, KAAF University College, Ghana.)

  • Emmanuel K. S. Amoah

    (Lecturer, Accounting, Banking and Finance, KAAF University College, Ghana.)

  • Eric Hope

    (Lecturer, Accounting, Banking and Finance, KAAF University College, Ghana.)

Abstract

Funerals and burial practices are a universal human social experience, and every society has a unique pattern of dealing with the death of its members. In Ghana, it is noticed that Ghanaians revere the dead so much that funerals are at the heart of Ghanaians' social life. This study sought to estimate the cost of funeral celebrations on personal finances and on productivity through man-hour loss. Interviews and questionnaires were the basis for data collection. The results from the sample, using a purposive sampling technique indicated funeral attendees in Ghana often incur costs in the form of expenditure elements including, but not limited to transportation, the buying of funeral cloths and the expenditure at funeral ground. It also showed that families hosting a funeral incur high costs when organizing it. Data interpretation was done using Microsoft excel. It is recommended that funeral celebration days should be reduced to one day, especially Saturdays so that attendees canleave on Friday after work and return on Sunday. And that, families should reduce how much they spend on food and drink by organizing simple but befitting burials.

Suggested Citation

  • John Kwame Adu Jack & Emmanuel K. S. Amoah & Eric Hope, 2020. "Estimating theFinancial Costs ofFuneral Celebrations inGhana: (A Case Study ofGreater Accra, Central andAshanti Regions)," International Journal of Business and Social Research, LAR Center Press, vol. 10(2), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:lrc:larijb:v:10:y:2020:i:2:p:1-17
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Anne Case & Anu Garrib & Alicia Menendez & Analia Olgiati, 2013. "Paying the Piper: The High Cost of Funerals in South Africa," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 62(1), pages 1-20.
    3. Chen, Xi & Zhang, Xiaobo, 2012. "Costly posturing: relative status, ceremonies and early child development in China:," IFPRI discussion papers 1206, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
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