In recent times, concerns have grown over the manner in which some corpses are handled during funeral ceremonies in Ghana, particularly when young people die. At some funerals, friends of the deceased have been seen throwing coffins around, lifting and dropping them in celebratory displays, while in some instances, the remains of the deceased are subjected to acts that many consider disrespectful and undignified.
The Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MOFFA) says it is taking steps to curb such practices and ensure that corpses are treated with dignity. The agency plans to deploy personnel to all districts across the country to monitor funeral activities, document suspected cases of abuse and help enforce standards governing the handling of corpses.
Speaking on JoyNews, Executive Director of MOFFA, Francis Ennin, said the personnel will be equipped with mobile phones and motorbikes to enable them to move quickly to funeral grounds and other locations where funeral activities are taking place.
“We’ll be giving them mobile phones and motorbikes so that wherever there is a funeral activity, they may be going there. They may be taking pictures and videos so that whoever misbehaves, the person may not know the presence of MOFA personnel there. They will be deployed into all the districts in Ghana.
“We have started with regional offices. So when these people are employed, they’ll be going into the districts,” he said.
Credit: ameyawdebrah.com
