Exploration of changes on funeral rites among the Builsas in the Builsa North district of Upper East Region

Abstract

This study examined the effects of social change on funeral rites among the Builsas in the Builsa North District of the Upper East Region. The study was carried out in five traditional areas of the Builsa North District. The qualitative research approach and ethnographic research design were used. The study also adopted purposive sampling technique. The population of the study was the Builsas in the Builsa north district with a target sample size of 30 but reached saturation after the 20th respondent. The instruments for data collection were interview guide and observation. The study compared the traditional ways of funeral rites of the Builsa and the changes that have taken place today. The study found out that the things that the changes brought about include; mortuary fee, coffin expenses, expenses on food and drinks served and printing of T-shirts that attract high funeral expenditure in the area. The study also revealed that contacts with other traditions and cultures are the major reasons for the changes in their funerals. The study finally found out that funeral expenditure has two effects on the Builsas: the positives and the negatives. The study concludes that, changes in funeral rites in the Builsa North District have no benefits to the Builsas and must be looked at again in order to reduce its impact on bereaved families. The study therefore recommends among others that traditional authorities in the Builsa North should educate their subjects on the possible dangers of the changes of funeral rites, the District Assembly in conjunction with the traditional authorities should place a ban on the use of wooden coffin in burying the dead in the District and the Central Government should allow traditional authorities to govern their territories with their traditional laws.