The Kumasi Funeral Criers Association (KUFUCA), a profit making organization made up of professional and talented criers, has concluded plans to increase its crying fees at the end of this year.
This follows the group’s displeasure over the new utility tariffs approved by Ghana’s Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC) on electricity consumption.
KUFUCA, in a press statement signed by its President, Madam Awo Yaa Donkoh, explained that the hike becomes necessary as the association has maintained its crying rates in the last five years, adding that its current tariffs are no longer sustainable due to increasing energy cost and prices of goods and services in the markets.
“A lot goes into this job of ours. We spend lots of money to rehearse before the D-day. We have lecturers who teach us how to cry and gain proper attention at funerals; and we pay all these people,” Madam Donkoh explained in the statement.
According to her, being certified criers who offer their services at funerals means that they have no other means of survival. “People hire us to cry at the funeral rites of their dead relatives, friends etc. Some even include in their wills that their family members should contact us after their death.
“The way we beautifully cry move sympathizers to give out more money to the bereaved families. That’s the main reason people contract us,”she said.
The breakdown of the new crying rate issued exclusively to Ghanian online media-screwlife.com by Madam Awo Yaa Donkoh which will take effect from January 1, 2016. Below is the new rate.
Crying with Swagg – GH₵ 3,000
Deep Wailing & Shouting – GH₵ 2,700
Crying & Rolling on the Ground – GH₵ 3,500
Crying & Walking at Funeral Ground – GH₵ 2,500
Highly Emotional Crying – GH₵ 3,200
Basic Crying – GH₵ 2,000
Crying & Vomiting – GH₵ 4,000
Chipmunk Crying – GH₵ 2,700
Nonetheless, Donkoh revealed that the organization is offering special Christmas ‘bonus’ package for every family that patronize them this December. “Families who have lost their relatives should get in touch as soon as possible before promo ends. Terms & Conditions apply though”, she said.
By Olisemeka Obeche