How to Write an Obituary in Ghana: Step-by-Step Guide with 3 Examples

An obituary is a written account of a person's life, published or read to inform the community of their death and to honour their memory. In Ghana, obituaries are a central part of funeral culture — they appear in funeral brochures, on funeral posters, in newspaper announcements, and increasingly on digital obituary pages shared via WhatsApp and social media. A well-written obituary preserves the legacy of the deceased and provides comfort to the bereaved family and community.

Writing an obituary can feel daunting, especially during a time of grief. This guide breaks the process down into simple, manageable steps and provides three example obituary excerpts in different styles to help you find the right approach for your loved one.

What Is an Obituary?

An obituary is different from a tribute. While a tribute is personal and emotional — expressing how you feel about the deceased — an obituary is a factual, biographical account of their life. It typically covers their birth, education, career, marriage, family, achievements, community involvement, faith, and the circumstances of their passing. Think of it as the official life story of the deceased, written for a broad audience.

Step-by-Step Obituary Structure

Follow this structure to write a clear, complete obituary. You do not need to include every section — adapt it to fit the life of your loved one and the space available in your funeral brochure or programme.

Step 1: The Opening

Begin with the full name of the deceased (including any aliases, maiden names, or nicknames), their date and place of birth, and a brief introduction. This sets the context for the reader. Example opening: "Madam Grace Adomako, née Boateng, affectionately known as 'Auntie Grace,' was born on 14th April 1945 in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, to the late Mr. Kwabena Boateng and Madam Akosua Mensah, both of blessed memory."

Step 2: Education and Early Life

Describe the person's childhood and education. Where did they grow up? What schools did they attend? Were there any formative experiences during this period? This section helps paint a picture of their early years and the foundation that shaped their life. Include primary school, secondary school, and any tertiary education or professional training.

Step 3: Career and Professional Life

Detail their career journey — where they worked, what positions they held, and any notable achievements or contributions. For business owners, describe their enterprise. For public servants, mention their years of service. For homemakers, honour the important work of managing a home and raising a family. Every life has professional contributions worth acknowledging.

Step 4: Marriage and Family Life

Describe their marriage — when and where they married, the name of their spouse, and a brief description of their life together. Then list their children, often by name. In Ghanaian obituaries, it is common to provide a comprehensive family list, including children, grandchildren, siblings, in-laws, and extended family. This section affirms the family bonds that defined their life.

Step 5: Faith, Community, and Interests

Describe their religious faith and church involvement — what church did they attend? Were they an elder, deacon, choir member, or fellowship leader? Also mention community organisations, hobbies, and personal interests. Did they love gardening, cooking, football, or reading? These details make the obituary come alive and help readers connect with the person beyond their formal biography.

Step 6: Illness and Passing

Briefly describe the circumstances of their passing. You do not need to provide extensive medical details — a simple statement is sufficient. For example: "After a brief illness bravely borne, Madam Grace was called to glory on 28th February 2026 at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi." Some families prefer not to mention the cause of death, and that is perfectly acceptable.

Step 7: Surviving Family

List the surviving family members — spouse, children (and their spouses), grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and any other relations the family wishes to include. In Ghanaian obituaries, this section can be quite extensive and is considered very important. It affirms the family network and ensures that key relations are publicly acknowledged.

Step 8: Closing

End with a brief closing statement — a favourite scripture, a motto the person lived by, or a simple farewell. Examples: "Rest in perfect peace, Mama. Your legacy lives on." or "Well done, good and faithful servant. Matthew 25:21." or "Until we meet again at the feet of Jesus."

Example 1: Formal Obituary (Traditional Style)

"Mr. Emmanuel Kwadwo Asante, JP, was born on 3rd March 1940 in Obuasi, Ashanti Region, to the late Opanyin Yaw Asante and Madam Adwoa Frimpomaa. He attended Obuasi Government Boys' School and proceeded to Prempeh College, Kumasi, where he completed his O-Level examinations in 1958. He trained as an accountant at the Accra Polytechnic and began his career at the Ashanti Goldfields Corporation, where he served for 35 years, rising to the position of Chief Accountant before his retirement in 1995. Mr. Asante married Miss Comfort Owusu of Konongo in 1966 at the Wesley Methodist Church, Obuasi. Their union was blessed with six children: Yaw, Abena, Kofi, Ama, Kwaku, and Akosua. A devoted Methodist, Mr. Asante served as a Circuit Steward and Sunday School superintendent for over two decades. He was also a Justice of the Peace, a Rotarian, and a passionate supporter of Asante Kotoko Football Club. After a short illness, Mr. Asante passed peacefully on 20th February 2026 at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. He is survived by his wife, six children, eighteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Damirifa due, Opanyin. Rest in perfect peace."

Example 2: Warm and Personal Obituary

"Everyone called her Auntie Esi, but to us she was simply Mama. Madam Esther Aidoo was born on 22nd June 1952 in Saltpond, Central Region. She grew up in a large, loving family and often said that her happiest memories were of evenings spent on her grandmother's veranda listening to folktales. She attended Holy Child School in Cape Coast and later trained as a seamstress. For over 40 years, Auntie Esi ran her beloved tailoring shop on Chapel Square, where she dressed generations of brides, schoolchildren, and church members. She married Papa George in 1975 and together they raised four children in a home filled with laughter, prayer, and the aroma of her legendary jollof rice. Auntie Esi was a prayer warrior at the Saltpond Pentecost Church and a mother figure to countless young people in the community. She passed peacefully in her sleep on 5th March 2026, aged 73. She leaves behind her husband, four children, eleven grandchildren, and a community that will never forget her warmth and generosity. Sleep well, Mama. We will carry your love forever."

Example 3: Brief Newspaper-Style Obituary

"Dr. Francis Yeboah, MB ChB, FWACP, consultant physician at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, died on 18th February 2026, aged 67, after a period of illness. Born in Wa, Upper West Region, he was educated at Tamale Secondary School and the University of Ghana Medical School. He practised medicine for over 30 years, specialising in internal medicine. He is survived by his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Mercy Yeboah, three children, and five grandchildren. Funeral details will be announced by the family. May his soul rest in peace."

Tips for Writing a Great Obituary

• Gather information from multiple family members — No single person knows everything about the deceased. Talk to siblings, children, spouses, and close friends to get a complete picture.
• Be accurate with dates, names, and places — Double-check all facts. Errors in an obituary are embarrassing and disrespectful.
• Match the tone to the person — A formal, distinguished person deserves a formal obituary. A warm, lively person deserves an obituary that reflects their personality.
• Keep it concise but complete — For funeral brochures, 500–800 words is ideal. For newspaper notices, 150–300 words. Include the essentials and save detailed stories for tributes.
• Decide what to include and exclude — Not every detail of a person's life needs to be in the obituary. Focus on what defined them and what the family is comfortable sharing publicly.
• Use respectful language — Even if the person had a difficult life or complicated relationships, the obituary should be gracious and dignified.
• Include a photo — A good portrait photograph accompanies most obituaries and helps readers connect with the person being remembered.
• Proofread carefully — Have at least two people review the obituary before printing or publishing.

FuneralPress makes obituary creation simple with our dedicated Obituary Creator. You can build a beautiful online obituary page with the biography, photos, funeral details, and a section for condolences — all shareable via a single link. For those who prefer AI assistance, our AI editor can help you draft an obituary from key details you provide.