The Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency, MoFFA, has issued a 10-day ultimatum to unlicensed mortuary facilities in the Ashanti Region to regularise their operations or face sanctions. This directive follows an inspection exercise that uncovered significant challenges in occupational health and safety, infection prevention, and environmental sanitation at some facilities. The exercise revealed several lapses in the management of mortuary facilities, prompting the agency to take action.
During the inspection, the team identified poor infection-prevention practices, occupational health and safety challenges, and littering within and around some mortuary compounds. These concerns were widespread, affecting many of the facilities inspected. However, facilities found to be complying with the required standards received commendations from the Agency. The Agency recognised that some mortuaries had implemented effective infection prevention practices and maintained a clean environment.
MoFFA has warned facilities operating without the required licence to correct the identified deficiencies and regularise their operations within the next ten days. The agency emphasised that failure to comply would result in sanctions, with offences under the relevant law potentially attracting a penalty of up to six thousand penalty units, imprisonment for up to three years, or both. The Agency urged all mortuary and funeral facility operators to comply with the required standards to protect public health and safety.
The inspection exercise was part of MoFFA's efforts to ensure that mortuary facilities in the Ashanti Region meet the necessary standards for operation. The agency is responsible for regulating and overseeing the activities of mortuaries and funeral facilities in Ghana. By issuing this ultimatum, MoFFA aims to improve the overall quality and safety of mortuary services in the region.
According to MoFFA, the identified challenges in occupational health and safety, infection prevention, and environmental sanitation are significant concerns that need to be addressed. The agency is committed to working with mortuary facility operators to ensure that they have the necessary resources and support to meet the required standards. This includes providing guidance and technical assistance to help facilities improve their operations.
The 10-day ultimatum is a critical deadline for unlicensed mortuaries in the Ashanti Region. Facilities that fail to regularise their operations within this timeframe will face sanctions, which may include penalties and imprisonment. MoFFA has urged all affected facilities to take immediate action to correct the identified deficiencies and obtain the necessary licence to operate.
The Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency's efforts to improve the quality and safety of mortuary services in Ghana are ongoing. By enforcing standards and providing support to facility operators, MoFFA aims to protect public health and safety while promoting a more dignified and respectful funeral industry. The agency's work is crucial in ensuring that mortuaries and funeral facilities in Ghana operate in a responsible and professional manner.
Key points
- Unlicensed mortuaries in the Ashanti Region have been given 10 days to regularise their operations or face sanctions.
- The Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency, MoFFA, conducted an inspection exercise that uncovered significant challenges in occupational health and safety, infection prevention, and environmental sanitation at some facilities.
- Facilities found to be non-compliant with the required standards may face penalties of up to six thousand penalty units, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
