Okraku-Mantey reaffirms belief in funeral tourism
While the New Patriotic Party’s manifesto does not explicitly address the concept of funeral tourism, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, continues to champion this innovative idea. During the recent Joy FM Manifesto Debate on Creative Economy, Okraku-Mantey underscored his unwavering belief in the potential of funeral tourism, despite its absence from the party’s official platform.
In his remarks, Okraku-Mantey revisited his earlier arguments for the concept, explaining that the principles behind funeral tourism are still relevant. He recounted how, during a previous viral discussion on the topic, he used Japan’s famous cemetery as an example to illustrate how even unconventional attractions can become significant tourist destinations. “Tourism is essentially about creating compelling narratives that draw visitors,” he said. “Ghanaians already travel for funerals, so why not incorporate tourism into these events? While it might not be explicitly mentioned in the manifesto, this idea holds substantial promise.”
Akwasi Agyeman, Chief Executive of the Ghana Tourism Authority and a co-speaker at the debate, echoed Okraku-Mantey’s sentiments. Agyeman emphasized that funerals possess untapped tourism potential, aligning with the broad definition of tourism by the United Nations. According to Agyeman, traveling to attend funerals often involves staying in hotels, dining at local restaurants, and engaging with other tourism-related activities. He pointed out that regions like the Ashanti Region, known for its vibrant funeral ceremonies, could use these events to boost their tourism appeal and local economies. “The idea is to leverage what is already happening and enhance it to benefit both the tourism sector and local communities,” Agyeman stated.
The concept of funeral tourism was first introduced by Okraku-Mantey in November 2021 during an interview on Hitz FM. At that time, he referenced Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, the former Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture, who, despite his Muslim beliefs, recognized the potential of the idea. Dr. Awal had suggested that the unique aspects of Ghanaian funerals could be used to attract tourists, arguing that such events could be integrated with visits to local attractions. “Funerals are a significant part of our culture, and integrating them with tourism could enrich our cultural assets and boost local economies,” Dr. Awal remarked.
In 2023, Dr. Awal reignited the debate on funeral tourism, proposing that funerals could be paired with visits to tourist sites. He envisioned a model where visitors attending funerals would also experience local attractions, such as historical sites and cultural landmarks. “We could organize tours that include visits to places like Bonwire, where tourists can experience traditional Kente weaving and other local crafts,” he suggested. “By offering free transportation and organizing local dining experiences, we can enhance the cultural experience and generate economic benefits for local communities.”
Currently, Ghana’s tourism sector is acknowledged as one of the country’s key economic drivers, with significant contributions to GDP and employment. Proponents like Okraku-Mantey and Dr. Awal believe that integrating funeral tourism into the broader tourism strategy could further bolster this sector, creating new opportunities for economic and cultural growth. By harnessing the existing travel patterns associated with funerals and pairing them with tourism experiences, Ghana could capitalize on its rich cultural heritage while stimulating local economies and fostering sustainable tourism development.
Credit: myjoyonline.com
