The Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA) in Ghana has initiated a crackdown on unlicensed mortuary facilities, particularly in the Ashanti Region. Following an inspection exercise, the agency has identified several lapses in the management of some mortuary facilities. These concerns include poor infection-prevention practices, occupational health and safety challenges, and environmental sanitation issues. The agency has now given these unlicensed facilities 10 days to regularise their operations.
The inspection exercise conducted by MoFFA's team uncovered significant challenges in occupational health and safety, infection prevention, and environmental sanitation at some facilities. The agency commended facilities that were found to be complying with the required standards, noting that some had implemented infection prevention practices and maintained a clean environment. However, many facilities were found to be operating without the necessary licence, prompting the agency to issue a directive.
Facilities operating without a licence have been given 10 days to correct the identified deficiencies and regularise their operations. The agency has warned that failure to comply within the stipulated period will attract legal action. According to MoFFA, offences under the relevant law could attract a penalty of up to 6,000 penalty units, imprisonment for up to three years, or both, subject to the decision of the court.
The agency's directive aims to ensure that mortuary facilities adhere to public health and safety standards. MoFFA has therefore urged all mortuary and funeral facility operators to comply with the required standards. The goal is to protect public health and safety by enforcing strict regulations on the management of mortuary facilities.
The inspection exercise and subsequent directive are part of MoFFA's efforts to regulate the mortuary and funeral industry in Ghana. The agency is responsible for ensuring that mortuary facilities operate in accordance with established standards. By taking enforcement action, MoFFA aims to improve the overall management of mortuary facilities and prevent potential health risks.
In Ghana, the management of mortuary facilities is crucial for maintaining public health and safety. The country's mortuary and funeral industry has faced challenges in the past, including the mishandling of corpses and poor sanitation. MoFFA's directive is a step towards addressing these challenges and ensuring that mortuary facilities operate in a manner that respects public health and safety.
The Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency has reiterated its commitment to enforcing regulations and ensuring compliance with industry standards. The agency will continue to monitor mortuary facilities and take action against those that fail to meet the required standards. By doing so, MoFFA aims to improve the quality of services provided by mortuary and funeral facilities in Ghana.
Key points
- The Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency has given unlicensed mortuaries 10 days to regularise their operations or face sanctions.
- The agency's directive aims to ensure that mortuary facilities adhere to public health and safety standards.
- Failure to comply with the directive may attract a penalty of up to 6,000 penalty units, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
