A strict enforcement action by the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA) has temporarily shut down one mortuary facility and caution others in the Central Region as part of an intensified two-day crackdown on unlicensed and non-compliant mortuaries and funeral homes operating in violation of regulatory standards exercise.
The Saltpond District Hospital Mortuary in the heat of the exercise was closed down, leaving facilities such as Apam Catholic Hospital Mortuary, Twifo Atti-Morkwa District Hospital, Twifo Praso Polyclinic, among others with caution.
The team's inspection uncovered serious breaches of health, safety and operational protocols in the services of these facilities.
Dr. Philip Sarpong, the Deputy Registrar for MoFFA, explained that the operation forms part of the agency’s ongoing mandate to regulate all mortuary and funeral homes in the Central Region under the Health Institutions and Facilities Act, 2011 (Act 829).
The law requires all facilities involved in the storage, transportation and disposal of human remains to be licensed and to adhere to prescribed sanitary and safety standards.
Dr. Sarpong said the agency is committed to ensuring that mortuaries operate in environments that protect both public health and the dignity of the deceased.
“We’ve closed down and warn these facilities until they meet the necessary standards,” he noted, emphasizing that poor hygiene, lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), and improper body handling were among the violations observed.
The facilities have been barred from receiving new bodies until they correct the identified deficiencies. Families, however, are still allowed to retrieve remains already in storage.
Dr. Sarpong reiterated that MoFFA has issued "a two week ultimatum to all unlicensed mortuaries and funeral homes to regularize their operation or face sanctions"
The release reminded operators that running such facilities without a licence contravenes Section 55 of Act 829, which penalizes unlicensed practice with fines or closure.
This strict enforcement follows repeated findings that many mortuaries across the country were operating illegally or without meeting minimum operational standards — a situation MoFFA says compromises public health and dignity in the handling of the dead.
Previous operations in the Eastern Region also saw several mortuaries partially or wholly closed for issues including overcrowding, poor sanitation and safety violations.
The Mortuary and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA) was established under Act 829 to license, control and regulate mortuary and funeral facilities nationwide and to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. Its role includes inspecting facilities, setting basic specifications of equipment and services, and ensuring practitioners meet professional requirements.
The agency has urged that, its actions are intended to protect bereaved families and the general public from the risks associated with unhygienic and unregulated mortuary practices. Enforcement efforts are expected to continue across regions to ensure nationwide compliance.
Sompaonline.com//Eric Annan