In recent years, Ghanaian funeral proceedings have taken on a new dimension, with pallbearers dressing in regalia and engaging in lively dances while carrying the deceased in creatively crafted coffins.

This practice, seen as a form of showmanship, has sparked controversy and differing opinions.

Speaking to the media, Dr. Yaw Twerefour, the Chief Executive Officer of the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency, expressed concerns about this trend.

He described the showmanship and dancing exhibited by pallbearers as a disregard and disrespect for the deceased.

Dr. Twerefour highlighted that while the agency does not necessarily object to dancing with the deceased, they have serious concerns when the body or coffin falls during these elaborate displays.

“The Agency, does not have a problem dancing with the dead body, we have a problem when the body falls or the casket drops,” he said.

He emphasized that the falling or dropping of dead bodies and caskets is a criminal offense under the country's criminal code and represents the desecration of bodies.

Additionally, Dr. Twerefour mentioned disputes regarding how morticians decorate and display dead bodies during funeral processions. He cited instances where deceased individuals are decorated according to their professions, which he views as problematic.

The Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency is open to receiving complaints from bereaved individuals who believe their deceased relatives were not properly preserved at the morgue.

Dr. Twerefour noted that morgues with such reported incidents may risk having their licenses revoked due to acts of unprofessionalism.

In summary, the recent trend of elaborate funeral displays involving dancing pallbearers has raised concerns about the respect and dignity afforded to the deceased, as well as potential legal issues related to mishandling of bodies and caskets.