The Avenor Traditional Council has imposed a ban on funerals, mass gatherings and noise-making in the area from November 13 to November 27, 2023. The ban is to pave way for the celebration of the Avenor Tutudoza festival, which is a cultural and historical event that showcases the heritage and identity of the Avenor people.

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According to a press release signed by Torgbui Tali Gafatsi III, the Chairman of the festival's Central Planning Committee, the ban is part of the preparations and activities to mark this year's festival, which will be launched on Saturday, September 23 at the Akatsi Central Market Square. The release stated that all chiefs, families, institutions, drumming groups and other stakeholders in Avenor land must observe the directive accordingly.

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The release also stated that all associations and churches in Avenor land must suspend all funerals, conventions and other mass gatherings in all communities during the period of the ban. It warned that anyone who would violate the order of Togbe Doglo Anumah VI, the Paramount Chief and President of the Avenor Traditional Council, would face the full wrath of the council.

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The Avenor Tutudoza festival is a rebranded festival celebrated under the auspices of the Avenor Traditional Council and the royal patronage of Togbe Dorglo Anumah VI. The festival aims to promote unity, development and tourism in Avenor land. The theme for this year's festival is "Empowering and Awakening the Natives of Avenor to take Responsibility towards the Development of Avenor land".

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The ban on funerals comes at a time when the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, has revealed his ministry's plans to leverage funerals for domestic tourism. He said that funerals in Ghana were not just solemn events but vibrant celebrations of life that offered a window into the country's diverse cultures.

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He said that his ministry would provide free buses to transport people who attend funerals to nearby tourist attractions and serve them local dishes and drinks.He noted that this initiative would boost the local economy and create jobs for the youth. He also said that his ministry would ensure that funerals were reported in a responsible and ethical manner, without giving too much details or glorifying the act.

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However, some critics have expressed their reservations about the minister's proposal, saying that it could commercialise a deeply personal and emotional event and disrespect the wishes and privacy of grieving families. They have also questioned the feasibility and sustainability of the initiative, given the limited resources and infrastructure available for tourism in Ghana

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