The practice of keeping dead bodies at the back yard for one or more years; has been the tradition of the Grebo ethnic group in Maryland

County, for centuries.

This practice has always afforded the bereaved families ample time to inform relatives of the death of a loved one, both in and out of the country, and allow them time to return home for funeral ceremonies.

A traditional mortician is always hired to look after the body in the backyard periodically, until the family is ready for the funeral.

Speaking this week on behalf of the County Superintendent Nazerene Tubman in Little Wlebo Town, 15 miles southwest of Harper, the District Commissioner of Harper, Mr. Alfred Thompson, told the people of the County to abolish their century-old tradition.

Commissioner Thompson said that tradition was not in line with the norms of modern society, and urged them to keep bodies for a maximum of three weeks.
LINA JNB/TSS/PTK