In Ghana’s Akan culture, being a family head is not synonymous with ownership. The family, not an individual, holds the customary right and obligation to inter and celebrate the funeral rites of a deceased member. This collective responsibility is deeply rooted in tradition and reinforced by Ghana’s courts.
The recent case of Republic v High Court, Kumasi, Ex Parte Appiah, and Nana Bonsie & 3 Ors v Agyenim Boateng & 3 Others, highlights the importance of consensus in family decision-making. The courts have made it clear that the authority to bury a deceased person rests with the relevant family unit, and decisions regarding burial and funeral rites should be made collectively.
The Role of the Abusuapanin
In Akan culture, the Abusuapanin (family head) is expected to facilitate and coordinate family decisions, not dictate them. The idea that an Abusuapanin can unilaterally decide on funeral arrangements is foreign to traditional practices. As the courts have emphasized, consensus is key.
Respecting Tradition and Court Decisions
The Akan maxim “Abusuapanin kɛnka a, ɛnyɛ ne deɛ” translates to “a family head doesn’t own the family.” This principle is a reminder that leadership is about responsibility, not entitlement. By respecting the collective nature of family decision-making, we honor our ancestors and uphold the values of unity and cooperation that define our culture.
In the words of the courts, “The family, not an individual, holds the customary right and obligation to inter and celebrate the funeral rites of a deceased member.” Let us respect this principle and ensure that family decisions are made collectively, with the Abusuapanin facilitating the process.