Several mortuaries shut down in Eastern region

The Mortuary and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA) has shut down several mortuaries in the Eastern Region as part of an enforcement operation against facilities operating without licences or failing to meet basic environmental, safety, and operational standards.

The exercise, aimed at safeguarding public health and ensuring dignity for the deceased, has already led to partial or full closures.

MoFFA had earlier issued a one-week ultimatum on October 22, 2025, to all unlicensed mortuaries to regularise their operations or face sanctions.

Among the first affected was the Suhum Government Hospital Mortuary, where inspectors found severe overcrowding, poor body arrangement, strong odours, and blood and serum on the floors. The facility was immediately shut down.

Other facilities sanctioned included Adom Funeral Home Mortuary at Berekumaso near Asamankese, cited for poor sanitation, stagnant water, lack of PPEs, and absence of a standby generator; and the Asamankese Government Hospital Mortuary, which recorded similar violations.

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At Kwahu Government Hospital Mortuary in Atibie, inspectors reported poor sanitation and even parts of the facility converted into a farming area. It was shut down despite being registered with MoFFA. Meanwhile, Agyakwa Hospital Mortuary in Nkawkaw passed inspection after implementing corrective measures, while CHAD Medical Services Mortuary in Osino was closed for operating without a valid licence.

Registrar of MoFFA, Francis Ennin, said affected facilities had been notified months earlier but failed to comply.

He stressed that inspections focused on waste disposal, water and power supply, sanitation, PPE availability, and body arrangement all measures to preserve dignity and protect public health.

“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.

MoFFA says eight facilities have been earmarked for inspection in the Eastern Region alone.

Partially closed mortuaries will not be allowed to receive new bodies, though families may retrieve remains already in storage.

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 has signalled that non-compliance nationwide will no longer be tolerated.

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