MOFFA to Post Monitors in Every District to Stop Corpse Abuse at Funerals

Ghana's Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MOFFA) is rolling out a nationwide monitoring programme to combat the mistreatment of corpses during funeral ceremonies, particularly in southern and central regions where such practices have become increasingly common. The initiative will see agency personnel deployed to district levels across the country, equipped with mobile phones and motorbikes to respond quickly to funeral sites and document any violations of corpse handling standards.

The concerning trend has seen coffins being thrown, lifted and dropped in celebratory displays at some funerals, especially when young people die. MOFFA's Executive Director, Francis Ennin, explained that the surveillance approach is designed both to identify offenders and deter inappropriate behaviour through the threat of exposure and documentation.

How the Monitoring Will Work

MOFFA personnel will be tasked with attending funeral activities unannounced, capturing photographic and video evidence of any misconduct. The agency has already established regional offices and will extend operations to all districts as new staff are employed. Mr Ennin emphasised that the mobility and technology provided to monitors will enable them to reach funeral grounds quickly and document violations without the knowledge of those engaging in disrespectful practices.

The Executive Director noted that this targeted approach is particularly focused on the southern and middle belt regions of Ghana, where such behaviour is believed to be most prevalent. He contrasted this with northern Ghana, where, he stated, such practices are less common. The agency views the visible presence of monitors as a psychological deterrent that will encourage compliance with funeral conduct standards.

Legal Reforms and Strengthened Enforcement

Beyond field monitoring, MOFFA is pursuing legislative strengthening to create meaningful consequences for corpse mistreatment. The agency is currently developing a draft document outlining proposed punitive measures for individuals who violate the dignity of the deceased or breach corpse handling regulations. This draft is undergoing committee review before it will require approval from the MOFFA board and the Ministry of Health before adoption as national policy.

These amendments aim to address gaps in current legislation governing Ghana's funeral industry. The proposed changes will establish clear penalties for violations, giving MOFFA and law enforcement the legal tools necessary to prosecute offenders effectively. The combination of on-ground monitoring and stronger legal frameworks represents a comprehensive strategy to elevate standards of respect for the dead.

Why It Matters for Ghana

Funeral practices hold deep cultural significance across Ghana, and the mistreatment of corpses strikes at the heart of community values around respect, dignity and proper rites of passage. These incidents have generated public concern and debate about how modern funeral celebrations sometimes conflict with traditional respect for the deceased.

The MOFFA initiative addresses a growing public health and cultural concern by establishing systematic oversight of an industry that, whilst important to Ghanaian society, has operated with limited regulation. The programme also signals government commitment to enforcing standards that protect both the dignity of the dead and the integrity of funeral practices. Success will depend on sustained funding, adequate staffing and public cooperation, as well as the eventual passage of stronger legislation with clear, enforceable penalties.