Public Accounts Committee decries overcrowding in public hospital morgues

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has expressed grave concern over the overcrowding of public hospital morgues across the country. During a hearing on October 9, 2026, the committee examined an Auditor-General’s Performance Audit report which revealed that several facilities, notably the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, are operating significantly beyond their intended capacities. Members of the committee emphasized that the current state of these facilities undermines the dignified handling of the deceased and poses potential risks to public health.

Dr. Philip Sarpong, the Acting Deputy Registrar of the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA), confirmed that while some facilities are struggling with congestion, the agency has made progress in regulation. Since the 2024 audit, MoFFA has successfully licensed 200 facilities that met the required benchmarks. However, Dr. Sarpong noted that three facilities were denied licenses after failing to satisfy the agency's standards. The PAC stressed that strict adherence to these standards is non-negotiable to ensure that all mortuaries operate within safe and hygienic limits.

To improve oversight, MoFFA has formally requested the recruitment of at least 20 additional staff members. Dr. Sarpong explained that the agency currently relies on only 22 personnel to monitor and regulate more than 200 facilities nationwide, a situation that makes consistent compliance monitoring and regional supervision extremely difficult. The requested personnel would be deployed to strengthen regional operations, ensuring that inspections are conducted more frequently and that facility managers are held accountable for maintaining standards.

Beyond staffing and space, the hearing addressed the urgent need for robust occupational health and safety protocols for mortuary attendants. The committee highlighted the importance of minimum competency standards to prevent traumatic errors, such as the misidentification of bodies, which can have devastating effects on grieving families. In response, MoFFA reported that it has initiated specialized training programs, with 176 attendants graduating this year. These efforts aim to professionalize the sector and ensure that all staff are equipped to handle bodies with the necessary care and technical accuracy.