Cultural and Traditional Importance of Road Side Graves in the Akumadan Traditional Area of the Offinso North District of Ghana

Abstract

The study examined the cultural and traditional importance of roadside graves in the Akumadan Traditional Area of the Offinso North District of Ghana. The study used the Ethnological theory approach which takes into consideration the subculture of a group or group that has a common culture, its goal is to create detailed and comprehensive descriptions of the community and then interpret the ingrained patterns. Achieving the aspirational goal of becoming an ancestor after death becomes impossible if one attempts to use advance care directives in Ghana in particular and Africa in general to request an unnatural death. Since roadside cemeteries or burial places have not been previously investigated, the study unravels the mystery surrounding the realities of these roadside cemeteries in Ghana. A survey research approach was used and the approach serves as the driver to the entire research process. Primary and Secondary literature on culture, graves, and traditions were reviewed and the instruments used for data included interviews, observation, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews. These were transcribed and analysed in teams. Key amongst the findings was that ancestors should be kept at Akantifi (the edge of the city in Akan), a place for easy access. They also believed that the dead are part of them (the living) and they need not throw them away hence must be nearer them or by the roadside. It was also revealed that traditional spiritual protection of the community is in the hands of the dead therefore they should be buried near the community (either at the ‘entrance’ of the town or when leaving the town) and for easy ritual performance. Offinso North and for that matter Akumadan Traditional area of Ghana are rich in cultural and traditional belief systems. The paper recommends as a matter of policy that, these cultural and traditional belief systems must be properly documented as part of the rich culture of the traditional area; and a tourism hub must be created by all stakeholders to take care of the rich culture of the area. Keywords: Culture, Grave, Roadside, Tradition, Ancestors