The Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has issued a firm directive to the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MOFFA), calling for the immediate closure of mortuary and funeral facilities across the country that do not meet acceptable standards.
In a passionate address aligned with the government’s ongoing Reset Agenda for the Health Sector, the Minister emphasized that poor mortuary conditions not only compromise the dignity of the deceased but also pose serious health risks to the general public
“This is a space we must watch. Even the way people are laid in state and buried can contribute to the spread of diseases. So we beg you, MOFFA, to go out there and do the needful. Some of those facilities are simply not up to standard.” he cautioned.
Drawing comparisons between MOFFA and the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HEFRA), the Minister reminded the agency of its regulatory mandate to inspect, assess, and take decisive actions against errant mortuary and funeral facilities.
“You have facilities to inspect just like HEFRA, Don’t fear closing them down. If you fear people will mention your name, you cannot leave any mark. The system has been this way for a very long time, and if you truly want to make a difference, you must be determined.” he noted.
Minister Akandoh, known for his reform-oriented stance since assuming office, made it clear that resistance and backlash are to be expected when initiating real change. However, he stressed that boldness and hunger for impact must drive leadership within public regulatory bodies.
“I keep saying that irrespective of your expertise, if you are not determined to make a difference, you will be there for 1,000 years and still leave no legacy,” he stated. “You must be hungry to execute the Resetting Agenda.”
The agency, established under Part Two of Act 829, is responsible for licensing, controlling and regulating facilities connected with the storage, transportation and disposal of human remains through functions, including receiving, considering and approving applications of licences for both facilities and practitioners.