Funeral programme outline in Ghana: order of service and brochure contents
Updated 6 October 2026
Quick answer
A typical Ghanaian burial service runs: processional with the body, opening hymn and prayer, scripture readings, the biography, tributes, a sermon, the offertory, prayers for the bereaved, the final viewing, the recessional and the committal at the cemetery. Your church's own order takes priority, so agree it with the officiating minister first.
Sample order of service
| Item | Led by | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Processional (body brought in), hymn | Officiating minister, choir |
| 2 | Call to worship and opening prayer | Minister |
| 3 | Hymn | Congregation |
| 4 | Old Testament reading (e.g. Psalm 23) | Family member |
| 5 | New Testament reading (e.g. John 14:1–6) | Family member |
| 6 | Biography of the deceased | Family representative |
| 7 | Tributes (spouse, children, church, colleagues) | Representatives |
| 8 | Choir ministration | Choir |
| 9 | Sermon | Minister |
| 10 | Offertory and donations | Ushers |
| 11 | Prayers for the bereaved family | Minister |
| 12 | Final viewing and closing of the coffin | Family |
| 13 | Benediction and recessional | Minister |
| 14 | Committal at the cemetery | Minister |
What goes in the funeral brochure
- Cover: photo, full name, "Celebration of Life" or "Call to Glory", dates of birth and death.
- The order of service (above) for each event: burial service, funeral rites, thanksgiving.
- The biography.
- Tributes from the spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings, church and associations.
- Photo pages through the years.
- Hymns and their words, so everyone can sing.
- Acknowledgements thanking the church, doctors, helpers and everyone who supported the family.
Print less, share more
Brochures are one of the larger printing costs, and many guests only need the order of service on the day. Upload the brochure to Memora and share it by link or QR code: on the poster, in the WhatsApp groups and on a printed card at the entrance. Family abroad can read it too, and you can print fewer full copies.
Collect and record funeral contributions with Memora
One contribution link and QR code for everyone. Donors send MoMo and get an SMS receipt once you confirm it, cash at the table goes on the same list, and the report is ready for the family meeting.
Questions people ask
What is the order of a funeral service in Ghana?
Usually: processional, opening hymn and prayer, readings, biography, tributes, sermon, offertory, prayers for the family, final viewing, benediction and recessional, then the committal at the cemetery. Churches have their own orders, so follow your minister's.
How can I make a funeral programme for free?
Write the order of service and brochure contents in a word processor or a free design tool, save it as a PDF, and share it by link instead of printing many copies.