A public health expert, Dr. Benjamin Arhin, has warned that burying dead bodies at home is dangerous and poses serious public health risks.
His caution follows a directive by the Okyehene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, who recently banned private burials on family compounds and personal lands within the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area. The Okyehene stressed that interments should only take place at designated cemeteries in line with tradition and national regulations.
Dr. Arhin expressed support for the ban, highlighting the health hazards associated with home burials.
“Some people die from infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and other conditions. Burying them at home without proper medical assessment can expose communities to serious health risks,” he said in an interview with Adom News.
He further explained that improper burials could contaminate the environment, particularly if residents later dig wells or disturb the soil.
“If the soil is tampered with, especially for water sources, it can lead to contamination and potential disease outbreaks,” he cautioned.
Dr. Arhin also called on regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Ghana Health Service to strictly enforce laws governing burials.
“Cultural practices must not be allowed to endanger public health. Authorities must ensure that all burials comply with laid-down regulations,” he added.
Supporting the enforcement drive, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin has directed all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies to strictly apply provisions under the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851) and the Mortuary and Funeral Facilities Act, 1998 (Act 563).
Meanwhile, a spiritualist and Sumankwahene at Kwahu Nkwatia, popularly known as Wofa Kissi, dismissed claims of spiritual consequences tied to burial locations.
“There are no spiritual implications whether a person is buried at home or in a cemetery,” he stated.
READ ALSO:
Accra hosts 24th EBID Annual General Meeting as Finance Minister calls for bold action
