The Mortuary and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA) has begun a sweeping two-day enforcement exercise in the Eastern Region, targeting unlicensed mortuaries and facilities operating below minimum environmental, safety, and public health standards. The operation has already resulted in multiple shutdowns, with authorities warning that non-compliance will no longer be tolerated.
Among the first facilities sanctioned was the Suhum Government Hospital Mortuary, which stores up to 100 bodies. Inspectors cited severe overcrowding, strong odours, poorly arranged bodies—including some in mangled condition—and visible blood and serum on floors. The facility was partially closed over what MoFFA described as “hazardous and unacceptable” conditions.
The Adom Funeral Home Mortuary at Berekumaso near Asamankese was also shut down for stagnant water, lack of PPE, poor sanitation, and the absence of a backup power source. At the Great Consolidated Diamonds Ghana (GCDGL) mortuary, inspectors found the premises locked, with staff and keys missing. The surroundings, they said, were “nothing good to write home about.”
The Asamankese Government Hospital Mortuary recorded similar breaches.
On day two, MoFFA visited the Kwahu Government Hospital Mortuary in Atibie. Although the facility had registered with the Agency, it failed to meet standards and had portions converted into a farming area. It was immediately closed.
Conditions improved at the Agyakwa Hospital Limited Mortuary in Nkawkaw, which had implemented earlier corrective directives and passed its inspection.
The final stop, CHAD Medical Services Mortuary in Osino, was registered but operating without a valid licence. It was shut down pending full compliance.
MoFFA Registrar Francis Ennin said all affected facilities were given two months’ notice to correct lapses but failed to act. Inspections focused on sanitation, waste disposal, power and water supply, PPE availability, and proper handling and arrangement of bodies.
“We are here to ensure compliance and safeguard the welfare of Ghanaians,” he said, adding that non-compliant operators will be surcharged and closely monitored.
Eight facilities are expected to undergo inspection in the region. Mortuaries facing partial closure may not admit new bodies, though families may retrieve remains.
Established under Health Institutions and Facilities Act 829, MoFFA is mandated to license, regulate and monitor all entities involved in handling human remains. As the nationwide operation expands, more facilities are expected to come under scrutiny.