Ghanaian Gym Instructor Honored with Dumbbell-Shaped Coffin in Unique Sendoff

GHANA – A Ghanaian gym instructor was laid to rest in an unconventional dumbbell-shaped coffin, drawing attention to Ghana’s tradition of honoring the deceased through personalized caskets.

In a ceremony that has gone viral on social media, the custom coffin designed to replicate a dumbbell with a grey handle and black weight plate was carried by pallbearers as mourners spoke in the Ga language.

The funeral showcased the tradition of “fantasy coffins,” where caskets are crafted to reflect the deceased’s profession, passions or personality.

A local funeral director described these themed caskets as a “grand and meaningful way” to celebrate a person’s life. Instead of focusing on sorrow, the tradition emphasizes a joyful passage to the afterlife.

The craftsmanship of these coffins has garnered international admiration, blending artistry with deep cultural significance.

The viral video of the gym instructor’s sendoff has sparked both fascination and debate, inviting a broader dialogue on how funeral traditions can honor individuals’ legacies in meaningful ways.