Coronavirus: Okyenhene orders for retrieval and burial of dead bodies, gives 4 week ultimatum

As part of measures to curtail the incidence of overcrowding and congestions at the morgues Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II, has ordered for the retrieval of all corpses in the various hospitals in Akyem Abuakwa amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement copied to Ghanaweb, the Okyenhene observed that several families had postponed funeral arrangements indefinitely due to the outbreak of the COVID-19. He described the phenomenon as a matter of grave concern since it was creating unhealthy conditions in the hospitals.

“This is credited partly to decision of families to indefinitely postpone the burial and funeral rites of departed relatives in expectation of the expiration of the directives of the President with regards to social distancing and regulations on public gatherings as a measure to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the situation in the morgues have become a matter of grave public concern as corpses are continuing to pile up on a daily basis thus posing a health threat to public hospitals.”

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II further directed that the bodies be interred within a month of retrieval effective Monday, April 20, 2020.

“Families must appreciate that compliance with this order is in their own interest as reports indicate the state of the corpses are deteriorating. This will also avoid the unhealthy situation where corpses that are not retrieved before the stated period are buried in mass graves,” statement added.

Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has announced the lift on the restriction of movement in the areas which had been placed on lockdown.

He, however, added that there is still a ban on public gatherings including schools, churches, mosques among others. The president also called for continuous strict adherence to the protocols such as wearing of protective masks and observing social distancing.

Read the full statement below