MoFFA shuts down poor standard morgue facilities in Ashanti Region

The Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA) has suspended operation of several public and private morgue facilities in the Ashanti Region due to substandard conditions. These morgues are located in the Asante Mampong, Effiduase, and Juaben municipal areas. Inspectors found that some facilities were operating in unsanitary environments that did not meet the required standards for handling human remains.

Mrs. Mavis Twumwaa Appiah, the Acting Director of MoFFA, explained that the problems included cluttered equipment, bodies left on the floor, and the absence of designated handwashing areas for staff. Additionally, the Agency discovered that certain facilities had not obtained the necessary licenses under the Health Institutions and Facilities Act, 2011 (Act 829).

As a result, MoFFA has closed these facilities until they can meet the mandated health standards. The primary goal of this enforcement action is to safeguard public health and avert potential outbreaks in surrounding communities. The Acting Director noted that these establishments were previously informed about the required improvements over two years ago but did not comply.