Thieves have reportedly vandalised the newly constructed mortuary at the Prestea Government Hospital in the Western region, cutting electrical cables and stealing copper components, further postponing the facility’s opening.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, January 20, when the perpetrators allegedly removed power cables linking the mortuary to the national grid and stripped copper coils from its refrigeration system. Although the mortuary was completed about five years ago, but has not been put to use.

Dr Otoo Acheampong, the hospital's caretaker, condemned the incident, describing it as a pattern of theft affecting the facility.

“This is not the first time such an incident has taken place. These repeated acts of theft are preventing the commissioning of a mortuary intended to replace the old and overstretched one,” he said. He also called on community members to assist in protecting the facility.

Michael Koomson, a technician who responded to the incident, recounted that he was alerted to a power outage at about 1 a.m.

“When I arrived, the main hospital had electricity, but the mortuary was completely dark,” he explained. Further inspection at daybreak revealed around 100 metres of 16mm electrical cable had been stolen, marking the third similar occurrence at the site.

Authorities blamed the repeated thefts on the mortuary’s isolated location and insufficient security personnel.

Currently, the hospital relies on a single guard at the main gate. Hospital management has called for improved security measures to safeguard the facility and enable its timely opening.