Funerals are the biggest social event in Kintampo. Every Friday and Saturday sees groups of people gathering dressed in red, black and brown, the colours of mourning. The women wear their cloth made up into 'kaba and slit', long skirts and fitted tops. Men wear a length of cloth toga style. Akan funerals are an elaborate, lengthy and expensive affair. On the day of the funeral ceremony the family will accompany the coffin to the cemetery and later gather at the 'funeral grounds' where canopies and plastic chairs will be set up around a central area. There the family will sit to receive visitors and invited guests. As people arrive they shake the hands of the family in greeting. A photo of the deceased is set up in the centre of the square. Music is played, most often these days from large PA systems, blasting out the latest gospel or hip-life. But sometimes as in the photos above, one can hear the traditional drumming and call and response singing, funeral songs in praise of the deceased, or expressing sympathy to the family. A young girl may dance 'adua', her bottom padded and her hands moving gracefully to the music. Those who want to show their appreciation will come to put money on the forehead of those singing and dancing. Money is important in funerals and every guest makes a donation. Funerals are costly, and there must be a careful weighing of accounts at the close, when the family might hope to have made a profit. In between the music, the arrival of important guests are announced, and the amounts donated and the names of the donors are read out to the assembled guests. Drink flows, a party atmosphere prevails, and by the end of the day many will be drunk. The following morning decorum returns and a thanksgiving will be held at the family church.
