The Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA) has issued a stern warning to the general public to desist from transporting human remains in private vehicles, taxis, ambulances, or any unauthorised means aside from designated hearses.
According to the Agency, the growing trend of families and funeral organisers using regular vehicles to carry corpses not only violates cultural norms but also poses serious public health risks and undermines the dignity of the deceased.
Speaking to the media after an engagement with mortuary staff in the Central, Western, and Western North Regions, the Registrar of MoFFA, Francis Ennin, stressed that only licensed hearses are permitted to transport corpses across the country.
“It is both culturally inappropriate and illegal to transport corpses in unapproved vehicles,” Mr Ennin said. “We are reminding the public that hearses are the only authorised means for conveying bodies.”
He referenced provisions in the Health Institutions and Facilities Act, 2011 (Act 829), which established the Agency, and cautioned that violators may face legal action under Section 285 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
MoFFA also warned it would begin working with law enforcement to arrest and prosecute those who flout the directive, including persons who publicly display corpses during funeral rites or carry bodies in unapproved vehicles.
“We will not hesitate to work with the police to arrest and prosecute offenders,” the Registrar stated. “This is not just a legal issue—it’s a matter of public decency and public health.”
The warning forms part of a nationwide campaign by the Agency to clamp down on unregulated practices in the funeral industry.
Meanwhile, participants at the Western North engagement session commended the Agency for the education and called for more public sensitisation across the country.
Source: Augustine Boah
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