Where: Kumasi, Ghana People: Asante/Ashanti Religion: Akan and Asante mixed with Christianity Ritual: Burial
The Ashanti are an ethnic group in Ghana. Ashanti funerals, also known as “odwira,” are usually elaborate, lavish, and very expensive ceremonies that are held to honour and celebrate the life of the deceased. However, in the case of Francis Akwasi Owusu, the family decided for a more subdued funeral service.
Francis Akwasi Owusu died at the age of 76.
Thank you to Francis and his family for letting me be a part of the last farewell, and Peter King Appiah for his help.
Francis Akwasi Owusu (alia Akoo Tawiah) is lying in state overnight in a decorated room in the family’s home.Francis’ wife is mourning the death of her husband. It is customary for family members to wear black with some red during the funeral.While lying in state, Francis is swept in a traditional Kente cloth wearing his most precious jewellery.In Ghana, funeral ceremonies often include a significant amount of mourning (by both relatives and professional mourners), which serves to demonstrate the deceased’s social status and how beloved they were by their family and community.Family members and a Catholic priest are saying a last prayer over Francis.The Ashante people usually bury their people in ordinary coffins.People attending the funeral receive a small memorial card with a picture of Francis.The primary religion practiced by the Ashanti is a mix of Roman Catholicism and the Ashanti religion of Ghana.Francis is buried in a small cemetery outside the village.Family members and a priest and members of the local church and community at the burial place.
