Ghana's Public Accounts Committee has expressed concern over the poor conditions in some public hospital morgues, which are operating beyond their storage capacity. The issue was discussed during a hearing on October 9, 2026, where the Auditor-General's Performance Audit of mortuary facilities in public hospitals was considered. The committee heard that some hospital mortuaries are overcrowded, with bodies being stored on floors.
The Acting Deputy Registrar of the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA), Dr. Philip Sarpong, confirmed that some hospital mortuaries operate beyond capacity. He stated that the agency has developed assessment tools to regulate public and private mortuaries, following a 2024 audit. About 200 mortuary facilities have been licensed, with five of the eight facilities cited in the audit report obtaining licenses after meeting required standards.
However, three facilities, including the one at Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital and two in the northern part of the country, remain unlicensed due to non-compliance with standards. Dr. Sarpong disclosed that these facilities were still operating, but with restrictions and under the agency's monitoring. The committee was informed that some facilities had national security implications, making it necessary for their operations to continue.
The committee examined figures from the audit report, which showed that some facilities had exceeded their stated storage capacities. Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, for instance, had a reported storage capacity of 457 bodies but was found to be holding 826 bodies. Similar overcrowding was reported at Amankyi Hospital, Piami Hospital, and Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital.
Dr. Sarpong explained that the day-to-day management of bodies rested primarily with individual institutions, with the agency regulating them to ensure compliance with standards. He maintained that the agency's role was to regulate and monitor mortuary facilities, rather than manage them directly.
Committee members raised concerns over overcrowding, unsafe conditions, and reports of bodies being stored on floors in some mortuaries. The agency has directed unlicensed facilities to implement corrective measures and operate within certain limits. Dr. Sarpong assured that the agency would continue to monitor compliance and inspect facilities to ensure they meet required standards.
The Public Accounts Committee's concerns highlight the need for improved management and regulation of mortuary facilities in Ghana's public hospitals. The agency's efforts to license and regulate facilities are a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the overcrowding and poor conditions in some hospital morgues.
Key points
- Overcrowding in hospital morgues raises concerns about safe and dignified handling of dead bodies.
- Ghana's Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency has licensed about 200 facilities, but some remain unlicensed.
- Committee members call for improved management and regulation of mortuary facilities.
