The Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MOFFA) says it is working to strengthen existing laws to ensure that persons who mishandle or abuse corpses are prosecuted.
The move follows a directive from the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, for the agency to expedite work on legislation aimed at protecting the dignity and sanctity of the dead.
Speaking to Adom News, Executive Director of MOFFA, Francis Ennin, said the directive had become necessary amid growing concerns over practices that disrespect corpses during funerals and other ceremonies.
His comments follow a viral video showing a corpse being set ablaze while it was lying in state during a funeral ceremony at Asankragua-Sureso in the Western Region.
Reports indicate that some colleagues of the deceased, who was reportedly a smoker, had gathered around the body to perform certain rites when the incident occurred.
Reacting to the incident, Mr Ennin said MOFFA was determined to ensure that such acts were dealt with under the law.
“We have been tasked by the Minister of Health to expedite the process of bringing laws that will prevent people from mishandling and abusing corpses. Anyone found engaging in acts that disturb or disrespect a corpse will face the full force of the law,” he said.
He explained that the proposed measures would provide a stronger legal framework for dealing with individuals whose actions compromise the dignity and sanctity of the dead.
Mr Ennin also disclosed that MOFFA was considering deploying representatives to funerals at the regional and district levels to monitor activities and identify incidents involving the improper treatment of corpses.
He said where violations were detected, the agency would trace the families or individuals responsible and take the necessary legal action.
“We are considering having representatives at the regional and district levels to monitor what happens at funerals. Where we identify such violations, we will trace the families or persons involved and take the appropriate legal action,” he added.
MOFFA says the proposed measures form part of broader efforts to ensure that corpses are treated with dignity and respect while preventing practices that could undermine public health, safety and the sanctity of funeral rites.
