Coffin and Casket Choices in Ghana Explained
When a loved one passes away, Ghanaian families come together to honour their memory. They select the cloth, draft the funeral invitation, and announce the date. Amid these preparations, another decision takes place, often discussed in a smaller circle, which is the choice of a coffin or casket.
Why Coffin and Casket Choices Matter in Ghana
The casket or coffin serves as a symbol of love, status, identity, and legacy. It is the final visible honour given before burial. During the laying-in-state, mourners see it, sometimes photograph it and remember it.
For this reason, understanding coffin and casket choices in Ghana helps families make informed, dignified decisions — without pressure, confusion, or regret.
Coffin vs Casket: What Is the Difference?
Although many people use the words interchangeably, there are clear differences.
Feature | Coffin | Casket |
Shape | Six-sided, tapered at the head and foot | Rectangular, four-sided |
Lid Design | Usually single removable lid | Hinged lid, sometimes split (half-open for viewing) |
Common Materials | Hardwood (odum, mahogany), softwood | Hardwood, metal (steel), fiberglass |
Cultural Perception in Ghana | More traditional and locally crafted | More modern and executive |
Availabitily | Widely produced by local artisans | Often imported or supplied by larger funeral homes |
Cost Range (GHS) | 1500-6000 (standard wood) | 5,000 – 15,000 (metal or luxury wood) |
Durability | Good, depending on quality | Generally stronger, especially metal models |
Aesthetic Appeal | Customisable; can include fantasy designs | Polished, formal, uniform appearance |
Popularity in Ghana | Very common nationwide | More common in urban areas such as Accra and Kumasi |
Common Types of Coffins and Caskets in Ghana
1. Standard Wooden Coffins
These are the most widely used. They are usually made from local hardwood and finished with varnish or paint.
They are dignified, practical, and affordable.
2. Polished Mahogany or Executive Caskets
These are rectangular, highly polished, and often lined with satin fabric.
They are common in urban funerals in cities like Accra and Kumasi.
Families often choose them for their elegant appearance.
3. White or Coloured Caskets
White caskets are often used for young people or church-focused funerals.
Some families choose colours that reflect personality or profession.
4. Fantasy Coffins (Abebuu Adekai)
Ghana is internationally known for artistic coffins shaped like objects — fish, cocoa pods, aeroplanes, Bibles, or tools. These creative designs symbolise the life or occupation of the deceased. They are more expensive and require custom craftsmanship.
Coffin Prices in Ghana
Search terms such as coffin prices in Ghana and casket price list in Ghana show that families want clarity before making decisions.
Below is a general guide (indicative ranges only):
Type | Estimated Price Range (GHS) |
Basic wooden coffin | 1,500 – 3,500 |
Polished executive casket | 4,000 – 10,000 |
White luxury casket | 5,000 – 12,000 |
Custom fantasy coffin | 8,000 – 25,000+ |
Prices depend on:
Wood type
Interior lining
Metal fittings
Transport
Custom engraving
Families should always request a written quotation from suppliers.
You can compare registered funeral providers through Ghana Funeral Services to review available options and contact details.
How Families Choose the Right Coffin
Choosing a coffin is both emotional and practical. Families often consider:
Budget – Funerals involve many expenses, including funeral posters, catering, and venue costs.
Religious Beliefs – Some churches prefer simple, modest designs.
Personality of the Deceased – Was the person traditional, modern, or artistic?
Cemetery Regulations – Some cemeteries have size or material restrictions.
Diaspora Input – Family members abroad may contribute financially or offer preferences.
According to reports by MyJoyOnline, funeral costs in Ghana have increased in recent years, encouraging families to plan carefully.
Modern Planning: Connecting the Coffin to the Digital Memorial
With tradition explained, let’s explore how digital tools can simplify the process.
While the coffin marks the physical farewell, remembrance does not end at burial.
At Ghana Memorial, families can create a digital obituary that includes:
Tributes from relatives worldwide
Photos and videos
A funeral page with time and location details
A digital condolence book
Donation links for support
Instead of relying only on printed funeral announcement cards, families can share information easily via WhatsApp and social media.
Because memories deserve more than paper.
Some families even choose to add a Tombstone QR Sticker after burial. When scanned, it opens the full digital memorial instantly.
A funeral is a moment. Ghana Memorial is forever.
Practical Checklist Before Ordering a Coffin
Before confirming your order, consider this simple guide:
Confirm burial or cremation method.
Check cemetery or family land requirements.
Agree on the budget with key family members.
Visit at least two suppliers or compare online listings.
Confirm the delivery timeline before the funeral date.
Keep receipts and documentation.
In addition, ensure funeral announcements and printed materials match the tone and design of the ceremony.
Supporting Families Beyond the Funeral Day
Many families tell us that the hardest part is not the funeral planning. It is what comes after.
As one user shared:
"Ghana Memorial Products has redefined remembrance. It gives love a voice, memories a home, and legacies a digital eternity. I am truly grateful for this platform and the opportunity it has provided us to honour our father with dignity and grace."
This reflects the heart of Ghana Memorial’s mission — to make funerals smoother, easier, and less expensive, while transforming remembrance into a lasting journey. Ghana Memorial Marketing Basics…
Checkout more testimonials at the Wall of Love section.
Making the Right Choice with Confidence
Choosing a coffin or casket in Ghana is not about extravagance. It is about dignity.
Whether you select a simple wooden coffin or a symbolic fantasy design, what matters most is respect and thoughtful planning.
And while the coffin honours the body, a digital memorial honours the story.
