Outmoded Cultural Practices and Its Effects on Victims: The Case of Widowhood Rituals amongst the People of Balungu Community, Ghana

The death of a partner and its consequences are met with serious sentiments especially to the females. This article sought to explore the nature and extent of widowhood rituals and the community perspective of widowhood rites in Balungu Traditional Area. The study adopted a qualitative approach were respondents were contacted using interview guide. The study found that some of the practices of widowhood rituals in the area were; ceremonial bath, close the partner eye with the decease hands, divination and survival spouse is made to sit on a grass mat, Pito is brew and fowl is slaughtered to the ancestors to give clearance for surviving partner to enter into a new relationship. The study finally found that widowhood rituals have negative effects of victims. Hence widowhood rituals should be abolished.