MOFFA, Ghana’s Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency, has announced a significant expansion of its monitoring capabilities nationwide, deploying personnel across all districts to proactively address concerns regarding the proper handling of deceased individuals. This initiative represents a substantial shift in the agency’s role, moving beyond traditional oversight to a more intensive, real-time assessment of funeral practices. The deployment of mobile phones and motorbikes represents a novel approach, allowing for rapid response to suspected instances of mistreatment or abuse of corpses. Specifically, personnel will be equipped with these devices to document incidents, capturing photographs and videos – a crucial step in identifying potential violations. MOFFA is actively developing proposed legislative changes designed to strengthen accountability within the funeral industry. These changes aim to introduce stricter penalties for offenders, emphasizing the importance of upholding the dignity of the deceased. Speaking to JoyNews’ Stephen Mensah, Executive Director Francis Ennin emphasized the agency’s immediate focus on southern and middle Ghana, areas where he believes a higher incidence of inappropriate practices involving corpses is observed. He stated that the agency intends to concentrate its monitoring efforts on these regions, recognizing the differing practices and cultural nuances across the country. Mr. Ennin further highlighted that the presence of MOFFA personnel at funeral grounds serves as a deterrent, discouraging behaviors that compromise the dignity of the deceased. The agency’s strategic deployment is part of a larger initiative to strengthen oversight of the entire funeral industry, aiming to proactively prevent any potential mistreatment. The agency is currently preparing a draft document outlining the proposed amendments to existing legislation, with the goal of clarifying regulations concerning the treatment of corpses. The proposed changes will address areas where the current framework lacks sufficient enforcement mechanisms. The draft document, currently undergoing review by a committee, will require approval from the MOFFA Board and the Ministry of Health before becoming a national working document. This comprehensive monitoring program is intended to enhance accountability within the funeral industry, safeguarding the rights of the deceased, and ultimately promote a more dignified experience for those grieving the loss of a loved one. The agency’s plan is to analyze various practices, including the handling of remains, and to ensure compliance with regulations governing mortuaries and funeral facilities. The current legislation governing the handling of corpses needs revision, the agency stated, to allow for the imposition of appropriate sanctions against offenders. The agency is currently undertaking a preliminary assessment of the proposed revisions, with the aim of ensuring effective implementation of the new measures. The initial deployment of personnel is being undertaken as part of a broader strategy to improve monitoring and enhance the overall safety and security of the funeral industry within Ghana. The agency’s goal is to proactively address concerns about potential abuse and ensure that funeral practices align with ethical and legal standards. The long-term objective is to foster a culture of respect and responsibility within the industry, ensuring the proper handling of deceased individuals and honoring their memory.”}”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””
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