The Mortuary and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA) has begun a two-day enforcement exercise in the Eastern Region, temporarily closing multiple mortuaries for operating without licences and failing to meet basic environmental and safety standards.

Speaking on the exercise, MoFFA Registrar Mr Francis Ennin explained that 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.

Among the facilities affected was the Suhum Government Hospital Mortuary, which was partially closed for overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and disturbing arrangements of bodies. Inspectors noted blood stains, serum on floors, and strong, unpleasant odours, describing the state of the facility 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.

On the second day, the team visited the Kwahu Government Hospital mortuary in Atibie, which, although registered with MoFFA, was found operating under substandard conditions, with parts of the facility converted into a farming area. The mortuary was subsequently shut down. The Agyaakwa Hospital Limited mortuary in Nkawkaw, however, passed the assessment after implementing recommended corrective measures. Meanwhile, the CHAD Medical Services mortuary in Osino, registered but unlicensed, was temporarily closed pending full compliance.

Mr Ennin noted that affected facilities had been given two months to rectify their shortcomings but failed to do so. The inspections assessed waste disposal systems, water and power supply, sanitation, availability of PPEs, and body arrangements.

About eight facilities were earmarked for inspection in the Eastern Region alone, with partially closed mortuaries barred from receiving new bodies while allowing families to retrieve existing remains.

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. The agency signalled that enforcement would continue nationwide to ensure compliance.