Oliver Barker-Vormawor Calls for National Reflection On How Ghana Treats The Dead

Social activist and lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor took to Facebook to express deep concern about how Ghanaians treat the dead. His post has sparked widespread reactions online, with many agreeing that there is a need for change.

In his message, Barker-Vormawor said that Ghanaian society must learn how to accord people dignity in death. He recalled the tragic June 3rd disaster and how the bodies of the victims were handled. According to him, the victims were placed in the bucket of a pickup truck, without body bags, and piled on top of each other. This disturbing scene was even shown live on national television.

He also criticized the recent reports of using cocoa sacks to transport dead bodies, calling it shameful and inhumane. He stressed that this kind of treatment shows a lack of respect for human life, even after death.

Barker-Vormawor did not stop there. He pointed out a new funeral trend that involves dressing up dead bodies to look like rappers, masons, or tailors. He questioned the meaning behind this trend, calling it disturbing and disrespectful. “Just Yuck! Yuck! Yuck!” he wrote in his post.

His comments have started an important conversation about cultural practices, funeral traditions, and the responsibilities of the media, government, and families. Many online users echoed his concerns, urging the country to adopt more respectful ways of handling the dead.

Oliver Barker-Vormawor’s post serves as a wake-up call. It reminds us that dignity should not end at death. As he clearly stated, how we treat the dead says a lot about who we are as a society.