MoFFA shuts down a number of Eastern Region mortuaries over deficient sanitation, non-compliance – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

Overview of MoFFA Enforcement Action

In a significant move to protect public health, the Mortuary and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA) of Ghana has launched a rigorous two-day enforcement operation across the Eastern Region. This campaign targeted mortuaries operating without proper licenses or failing basic sanitation and safety standards. The action underscores MoFFA’s commitment to enforcing compliance with national health regulations and safeguarding both the living and the deceased.

Public Health Concerns Driving the Crackdown

The inspection drive, led by MoFFA Registrar Mr. Francis Ennin, emphasized the urgent need to address hazardous conditions in funeral service facilities. Poor sanitation, overcrowding, inadequate waste disposal, and lack of essential protective equipment pose serious health risks to staff, families, and the broader community. “We are here to ensure compliance and safeguard the welfare of Ghanaians,” Ennin stated, highlighting the agency’s zero-tolerance policy toward non-compliance.

Analysis

Inspection Criteria and Methodology

MoFFA inspectors evaluated mortuaries against strict criteria outlined in Ghana’s Health Institutions and Facilities Act 829. Key assessment areas included:

• License validity and registration status
• Sanitation and hygiene practices
• Waste management and disposal systems
• Water supply and equipment functionality
• Availability of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Body preparation and storage conditions

Specific Violations Identified in Eastern Region Mortuaries

During the operation, several facilities were found in gross violation of standards:

• Suhum Government Hospital Mortuary: Partially closed for overcrowding, blood-stained floors, serum spills, foul odors, and unacceptable body preparation practices. Inspectors described conditions as “unacceptable and hazardous.”
• Adom Funeral Home Mortuary (Berekumsso): Sanctioned for stagnant water accumulation, absent standby generator, missing PPE, and poor sanitation.
• Great Consolidated Diamonds Ghana Limited (GCDGL) Mortuary: Found locked with no staff present, violating operational requirements.
• Asamankese Government Hospital Mortuary: Cited for similar sanitation and compliance failures.
• Kwahu Government Hospital Mortuary (Atibie): Despite being registered, portions of the facility were converted into a farming house, prompting immediate shutdown.
• CHAD Medical Services Mortuary (Osino): Closed pending full compliance despite being registered but unlicensed.

Regional Impact and Enforcement Timeline

Across the Eastern Region, eight mortuaries were scheduled for inspection. Affected facilities were given a two-month corrective period following prior warnings, but failed to implement necessary changes. Partially closed mortuaries are prohibited from accepting new bodies while allowing families to retrieve existing remains.

Summary

Key Findings from the Eastern Region Inspections

The enforcement exercise revealed systemic issues within the mortuary sector, including:

• Widespread license irregularities
• Chronic sanitation deficiencies
• Inadequate waste disposal protocols
• Lack of emergency power solutions
• Insufficient staff training on health safeguards

Timeline of MoFFA’s National Enforcement Strategy

MoFFA confirmed that this regional action is part of a broader national enforcement plan. The agency signaled that similar operations will expand to other regions to ensure uniform compliance with mortuary standards, protecting public health nationwide.

Key Points

Practical Advice

Guidance for Mortuary Operators

To maintain compliance, operators should:

• Conduct monthly internal audits against MoFFA standards
• Train staff on sanitation protocols and PPE usage
• Install backup power systems to ensure continuous operations
• Establish formal waste management partnerships
• Display license information visibly for public verification

Recommendations for Families and Stakeholders

Families seeking funeral services should:

• Verify mortuary licensing status before contracts
• Request facility sanitation certificates
• Report suspicious or substandard practices to MoFFA
• Understand cost breakdowns to avoid hidden fees

Points of Caution

Health Risks Associated with Poor Mortuary Practices

Exposed biohazards, stagnant water, and inadequate waste disposal can lead to:

• Bloodborne pathogen transmission
• Vector-borne disease outbreaks (e.g., malaria, dengue)
• Toxic fume inhalation
• Psychological trauma for grieving families

Community Health Alerts and Reporting Channels

Communities are urged to:

• Monitor local mortuaries for visible sanitation issues
• Contact MoFFA’s hotline for immediate inspections
• Participate in public health awareness campaigns

Comparison

Eastern Region Enforcement vs. National Standards

While the Eastern Region operation highlighted severe localized issues, similar inspections nationwide reveal consistent challenges in rural and under-resourced facilities. Urban centers generally meet standards due to stricter oversight, but regional disparities persist.

International Mortuary Standards Benchmark

Ghana’s MoFFA regulations align with WHO guidelines on biohazard handling and facility hygiene. However, implementation gaps remain in resource-limited areas, emphasizing the need for targeted support and capacity building.

Legal Implications

Relevant Legislation: Health Institutions and Facilities Act 829

Act 829 empowers MoFFA to license, monitor, and enforce compliance across all mortuary and funeral facilities. Key legal provisions include:

• Section 12: Mandatory licensing for operation
• Section 18: Duty to maintain sanitary conditions
• Section 24: Penalties for unlicensed or non-compliant facilities

Enforcement Powers and Accountability Mechanisms

MoFFA possesses the authority to:

• Issue closure orders without notice for severe violations
• Impose administrative fines up to GH¢500,000
• Refer criminal cases involving deliberate negligence to law enforcement
• Publish compliance reports for public accountability

Conclusion

Future of Mortuary Regulation in Ghana

The Eastern Region shutdowns mark a pivotal step toward standardized mortuary practices nationwide. Continued enforcement, operator training, and public engagement will be vital to sustaining improvements and preventing future health crises.

Call to Action for All Stakeholders

Government agencies, mortuary operators, healthcare providers, and communities must collaborate to ensure every funeral facility meets Ghana’s health protection standards. Transparency, regular audits, and community oversight will drive lasting change.

FAQ

Sources

1. Mortuary and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA) Official Statement – December 2025 Enforcement Operation Press Release.
2. Health Institutions and Facilities Act, 2004 (Act 829) – Ghana Parliamentary Records.
3. World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines for Mortuary Hygiene – 2023 Edition.
4. Life Pulse Daily News Report – “MoFFA Shuts Down Eastern Region Mortuaries Over Deficient Sanitation, Non-Compliance” – December 5, 2025.