Tema, July 14, GNA - The Tema Traditional Council and family heads of Tema Manhean on Thursday signed a pact to ban some expensive funeral practices in the traditional area.

The agreement, which would take effect from September 01, "is to cut down on exorbitant expenditures during funerals as it brings hardship to the bereaved family especially the children."

Nii Adjei Krakue II, the Tema Mantse, signed on behalf of the traditional council, while Nii Larbi Adzetey and Nuumo Samuel Mensah Komieteh signed on behalf of the representatives of the 25 clan houses. Nii Krakue said funerals, which used to be mourning periods, have now turned into merry making, drinking spree and other promiscuous acts in the town.

He said a committee was set up in June last year to delve into some expenses families incur during funerals and to recommend solutions and that those recommendations were discussed and adopted in the pact. In the agreement, items normally demanded from the widow for the bathing of the corpse has been reduced to half.

Buying of funeral cloths has been banned while white, red and brown cloths have been prescribed for all types of funerals in the town. Some of the banned funeral activities include erection of makeshift memorial halls, organizing one-year memorial party, water carriers and brass band.

The system of merry making including sharing of food and drinks as well as playing of sound system during funerals has also been banned allowing the bereaved to use only corn wine and biscuits to refresh the mourners.

The act of a widow or a widower mourning their dead spouses for one year has also been reduced to three months.