While this pattern is consistent across many communities in Ghana, there are some differences between ethnic groups. For example, the Ashanti people fire muskets or cannons at their funerals, especially when the person is high-ranking person, such as a chief.
The community has this tradition because they like to celebrate the life of the person. While it is often a sad event, there is also dancing and music playing because community members want to celebrate and remember the life that the person lived. Funerals are occassions when family members and friends will travel long distances to come, so it is also a time for communities to be brought together and catch up with one another. Ghanaian lives are valued in Ghana, so having large events to pay tribute to the deceased person is a way to honor them. It is also a way to raise money for the family of the deceased person because people will come to the funeral and give them funds to support them during this difficult time.
This tradition is connected to the environment because Ghanaians will set up large red and black tents at funerals in order to block the scorching sun. Funerals can be during the middle of the day on Saturday, so it is important that older community members can attend the events, while being protected from the midday sun. Also, when the funeral is for a friend close to their age, young Ghanaians will wildly ride motorcycles and in truck beds on Friday night. This is a way for them to recognise and grieve their friend and the life they lived.
