WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE DIES
When a Ghanaian passes away in London, we understand that a decision whether or not to send the person home for burial may take several days. We understand about waiting for family meetings or waiting for instructions from Ghana. Because of the long delays before burial and the hot climate of West Africa, our first priority is the good preservation of the body. Our most immediate need is for the family to give us permission to collect the person from the place of death. Our Private Ambulance will then transport the person to our own private mortuary where we will immediately commence the full tropical embalming process. Thereafter, we will hold the person in proper refrigeration until decisions have been made and dates set. WE DO NOT CHARGE EXTRA FOR REFRIGERATED STORAGE IN THE UK it is part of our normal service.

LEGALITIES & CERTIFICATES
Once the family have supplied us with one copy of the Death Certificate, we will handle the preparation of all the other documentation required for consignment by air to Ghana. The original paperwork travels with the casket and is used to clear through customs at Kotoka Airport. Copies available upon request.

WASHING & DRESSING
We have a special room set aside at our mortuary for the family to come and attend to the final washing and dressing of their relative. We can assist at the dressing, if required, or can employ a Ghanaian lady who will prepare the body in the full traditional way.

UK WAKE-KEEPINGS
We can handle small evening Wakes in our own Private Chapel. When more than 20 people are expected to attend, we suggest arranging a proper church for the evening. Many families have their own church or we can usually hire a suitable church. If required, we can arrange Ghanaian clergy of the correct denomination and a Ghanaian organist.

FLIGHTS
Depending on current conditions and seasonal factors, we will recommend the airline currently offering the most reliable service. Families are free to suggest the use of different airlines.

IN GHANA
Our sister company in Accra: Gillman & Abbey Funeral Service, is now open in South Odorkor. From our extensive premises, we can provide the highest standards of facilities and funeral services available in West Africa. When the casket arrives from the UK, we will attend to customs clearance, collection from the airport, private mortuary and refrigeration facilities, delivery to the home town for Wake-Keeping and provision of the hearse for the funeral. Further details of Gillman & Abbey Funeral Service, and a location map, are shown elsewhere in this brochure.