CAPE COAST, GHANA – The Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, has called on Christians and Ghanaian families to prioritize investing in the education of their children rather than spending excessively on funeral ceremonies.
The Archbishop made the appeal during the Lay Leaders’ Encounter organized as part of the celebrations marking his Golden Jubilee of Priesthood, 35 years of Episcopal Ministry, and his 76th Birthday at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Cape Coast.
Addressing lay leaders from across the Archdiocese, Archbishop Palmer-Buckle expressed concern over the growing culture of extravagant funeral spending, describing it as one of the factors contributing to poverty in many families and communities.
«”Don’t invest in funerals; invest in your children’s education,” the Archbishop urged.»
He emphasized that education remains one of the greatest gifts parents can offer their children, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to build a better future.
According to the Archbishop, many families spend enormous sums of money organizing elaborate funeral ceremonies while neglecting equally important investments such as education, skills development, healthcare, and family welfare.
«”Our society is creating poverty by spending more on funerals than on the future of our children,” he stated.»
Archbishop Palmer-Buckle challenged Christians to rethink their priorities by adopting a culture of responsible stewardship and long-term planning. He encouraged parents and guardians to invest in quality education, moral formation, and the holistic development of their children, stressing that these investments yield lasting benefits for families, the Church, and society.
His remarks resonated strongly with the lay leaders, serving as a call to promote values that foster sustainable development, reduce poverty, and empower future generations.
The encounter formed part of a broader celebration honoring the Archbishop’s five decades of priestly ministry and his distinguished service to the Catholic Church. It also provided an opportunity for dialogue on the mission of the laity and the implementation of the Synod on Synodality within the Archdiocese.
As the gathering concluded, participants expressed appreciation for the Archbishop’s timely message, acknowledging the need to shift societal priorities from lavish funeral expenditures to investments that secure the future of young people and strengthen communities.
Story by Emmanuel Boniface Arthur
