CRISTIAN CHURCH SERVICE
The majority of the Ghanaians are Christians and religion is very present in everyday life.
Signs of this are many religious shop names such as “God is great” or “Fear God” and the enormous number of churches in every town and village. The majority of people go to church on Sunday and visitors are always welcome to join. So just attend any church service on Sundays for an interesting insight into the mixture of European religious texts and African rhythms. But be prepared that you will have to present yourself in front of the congregation to be welcomed into the community.
MUSLIM CHURCH SERVICE
Zongo communities welcome visitors to their Friday church service.
If you want to join a Muslim church service you can do so with Muslim brothers and sisters in Ada Foah every Friday between 12 to 12.30pm. If it’s not a Friday and you still want to take part you can also visit the daily worship activities at the Muslim communities, called Zongo. Be aware that you are only allowed to enter the mosque if you are a Muslim yourself.
For more information contact the Tourist Information Center or ask anybody in town where to worship Allah and they will direct you to the place.
FUNERALS
Funerals happen very frequently and it is common to see people walking around in the mourning colours black, white and red on weekends.
The celebration follows a strict schedule: On Friday the corpse is brought to the family house accompanied by songs of brass bands and the ceremony starts. During this ceremony, usually things are done that the deceased person did during his or her life. The mourners continue the ceremony until Saturday morning.On Saturday the corpse is buried accompanied by drumming and music before and after the burial. Throughout the whole ceremony, the sympathizers are expected to make a contribution that is noted precisely. Most funerals take place at the end of the month, when salaries are paid and the expensive celebration can be afforded. Family members bring different items such as perfume or other useful things to the grave that were important to the person who died and might be needed by him or her. On Sunday, the guests attend a thanksgiving church service in memory of the deceased in case it is a Christian funeral and give thanks. If it is a traditional funeral, the ceremony is continued until the afternoon when the guests depart.
CHILD NAMING
The “Outdooring” is a celebration on the 8th day of a babies life when it is given its name.
When a baby in born, it is traditionally believed that it should stay inside the house for the first week of its life. On the 8th day, it will receive its name with a big celebration. During this “outdooring”, as the naming ceremony is also called, the baby is brought outside for the first time and exposed to various harsh situations, e.g. by pouring some alcohol on the tongue, sweeping it with a broom or sprinkling water on it. This is to prepare the child for future hardships in life. In the end, the baby is given its name by the father who is also the one choosing it.
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