The Mortuary and Funeral Facilities Agency has closed several mortuaries in the Eastern Region after a two-day enforcement exercise uncovered serious sanitation breaches and unlicensed operations.
The team moved through multiple districts to assess whether facilities were meeting the basic standards required to protect public health and uphold dignity for the dead.
Registrar of the agency, Francis Ennin, said the inspections were necessary because many facilities had failed to correct earlier warnings.
He noted that the agency must act when public health is at risk.
“We are here to ensure compliance and safeguard the welfare of Ghanaians,” he said.
One of the most troubling findings came from the Suhum Government Hospital Mortuary, which was partially shut down after inspectors found overcrowded storage areas, unpleasant smells and stained floors.
They also reported poor handling of bodies. Other mortuaries such as the Adom Funeral Home at Berekumaso near Asamankese recorded stagnant water, inadequate protective gear and unreliable power supply.
At the Great Consolidated Diamonds Ghana Limited mortuary, the enforcement team found the building locked with no staff available.
The Asamankese Government Hospital mortuary also failed key requirements.
During the second day of inspections, the Kwahu Government Hospital mortuary in Atibie was shut down despite being registered because parts of the building had been turned into a small farm.
The Agyaakwa Hospital Limited mortuary in Nkawkaw was one of the few that passed, having made the needed corrections ahead of the visit.
The CHAD Medical Services mortuary in Osino was temporarily closed due to operating without a full licence.
Meanwhile, facilities that were partly closed will not be allowed to receive new bodies and families may, however, collect remains already in storage.
The agency says inspections will continue across the country to ensure standards are met.