The Mortuary and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA) has temporarily closed down some facilities in the Eastern Region for failing to meet the basic environmental and safety standards or operating without a licence.
The action was taken during a two-day enforcement exercise in the Eastern Region.
Established under the Health Institutions and Facilities Act 829, MoFFA is mandated to licence, regulate, and monitor all establishments involved in the storage, transportation and disposal of human remains.
The inspection team assessed waste disposal systems, water and power supply, sanitation, availability of PPEs, and body arrangements.
The affected mortuaries have been barred from receiving new bodies, while families have been allowed to retrieve the bodies of their loved ones.
Facilities
Among the affected facilities was the Suhum Government Hospital Mortuary, which was partially closed due to overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and the disturbing arrangement of bodies.
Inspectors reported blood stains and serum on the floors, accompanied by strong, unpleasant odours, describing the condition of the mortuary as “unacceptable and hazardous.
The Adom Funeral Home Mortuary at Berekumaso near Asamankese also faced sanctions for poor sanitation, stagnant water, absence of a standby generator, and lack of personal protective equipment.
Similarly, the Great Consolidated Diamonds Ghana Limited (GCDGL) mortuary was found locked with no staff present, while the Asamankese Government Hospital mortuary recorded comparable non-compliance issues.
Also, the CHAD Medical Services mortuary at Osino, registered but unlicensed, was temporarily closed pending full compliance.
At the Kwahu Government Hospital mortuary at Atibie, although registered with MoFFA, the team found out that the facility was operating under substandard conditions, with parts of the facility converted into a farming area.
The Agyaakwa Hospital Limited mortuary at Nkawkaw, however, passed the assessment after implementing recommended corrective measures.
Explaining the rationale for the exercise, the Registrar of MoFFA, Francis Ennin, said the inspections were aimed at safeguarding public health and ensuring the dignity of the deceased.
“We are here to ensure compliance and safeguard the welfare of Ghanaians,” he said, warning that non-compliant facilities would be surcharged and closely monitored.
Mr Ennin noted that affected facilities had been given two months to rectify their shortcomings, but failed to do so.
The agency stated that enforcement would continue nationwide to ensure compliance.
