Traditional Funeral Rites and Health-risk: A Lived Experiences among Dagaabas in Jirapa Area, Ghana

Abstract

This case study examines the health concerns connected with the celebration of funeral rites among Dagaabas in Jirapa, Ghana. Through extensive in-depth interviews and participant observations, the study revealed that the rituals performed at funeral celebrations predisposes the celebrants to the risk of health outcomes. The corpse is touched severally by mourners without using protective clothes. Other rituals, such as the food stuff, cooking utensils and the regalia that are displayed beside the corpse which symbolizes items to be taken to the next world – "Dapare” are returned after the burial and expended by the family without being disinfected. The food stuff placed by the corpse are also consumed by the undertakers after the burial. The excessive handshakes and persistent hugs connoting friendship and unity were found to be among the predisposing factors.