The Mortuary and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA) has concluded a two-day enforcement exercise in the Eastern Region, targeting mortuaries operating without licences and those falling short of basic environmental and safety standards.
The operation, according to the Agency, forms part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and the dignity of the deceased.
It has already led to the partial closure of several facilities that do not meet the required conditions.
Among the affected facilities are the Suhum Government Hospital Mortuary, Asamankese Government Hospital Mortuary, and the Kwahu Government Hospital Mortuary.
Others include Adom Funeral Home Mortuary at Berekumaso near Asamankese, CHAD Medical Services Mortuary in Osino, and the Great Consolidated Diamonds Ghana Limited (GCDGL).
Registrar of MoFFA, Francis Ennin, disclosed that the affected facilities had earlier been notified and given two months to rectify their shortcomings but failed to comply.
He explained that the inspection focused on waste disposal systems, water and power supply, sanitation, availability of PPEs, and the arrangement of bodies.
According to him, all measures are aimed at preserving the dignity of the dead while protecting public health.
“We are here to ensure compliance and safeguard the welfare of Ghanaians. The exercise will continue until all operators do the right thing. We also urge mortuary owners to register with the Agency,” he emphasized, warning that all non-compliant facilities would be surcharged and further monitored.
Mr. Ennin stated that about eight facilities have been earmarked for further inspection in the Eastern Region alone.
He warned that facilities that are partially closed will not be allowed to receive new bodies, although families may retrieve remains already in storage.
Established under the Health Institutions and Facilities Act 829, MoFFA is mandated to license, regulate, and monitor all establishments involved in the storage, transportation, and disposal of human remains.
Suhum gov’t hospital mortuary, others face shutdown over non-compliance
