MOFFA to Prosecute Persons Who Mishandle Corpses
MOFFA says it will strengthen legal measures and monitor funerals to ensure anyone who mishandles or disrespects corpses faces prosecution.
- MOFFA targets mishandling of corpses
- Offenders to face prosecution
- Agency plans funeral monitoring teams
The Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MOFFA) says it is taking steps to strengthen existing laws to ensure that individuals who mishandle or abuse corpses face prosecution.
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.
MOFFA Executive Director Francis Ennin speaking in an interview said that 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.
According to reports, some colleagues of the deceased, who was said to have been a smoker, had gathered around the body to perform certain rites when the incident occurred.
Mr Ennin said MOFFA would ensure that acts involving the mishandling or abuse of corpses are dealt with under the law.
He explained that the proposed legislation would provide a stronger legal framework to punish individuals whose actions compromise the dignity and sanctity of the dead.
MOFFA is also considering deploying representatives at the regional and district levels to monitor activities at funerals and identify cases involving the improper treatment of corpses.
Mr Ennin said where violations are detected, the agency would trace the families or individuals involved and take the necessary legal action.
The proposed measures form part of broader efforts to ensure that corpses are treated with dignity and respect while protecting public health, safety and the sanctity of funeral rites.
