Ewurabena Quartey describes knocking on mortuary doors as sign of respect
Ewurabena Quartey, a manager at Jabez Dominic Funeral Home, has explained the cultural and professional reasoning behind the practice of morticians knocking on doors before entering mortuaries. According to Quartey, this specific action is observed by several professionals in the field as a profound sign of respect toward the deceased individuals currently in their care. The practice serves to bridge the gap between the living and the dead, ensuring that the transition into the workspace is handled with solemnity and care. The manager noted that the symbolic act is intended to acknowledge the inherent dignity of those who have passed away. By knocking, morticians treat the mortuary space not merely as a storage facility but as a place of rest that requires a level of courtesy similar to that shown when entering the home of a living person. This ritual highlights a commitment to maintaining high ethical standards and sensitivity within the funeral service industry, where the professional focus remains on the humanity and value of the deceased. While not every mortuary follows this specific protocol, Quartey’s insights offer a glimpse into the specialized traditions that define the work of morticians in Ghana. The practice underscores a broader cultural reverence for the dead, suggesting that the responsibilities of a funeral home manager extend beyond technical tasks to include the preservation of honor and decorum. These small gestures of acknowledgment are presented as essential components of the compassionate care provided to both the deceased and their grieving families.
