Advocacy Group Demands Police Action Against Unsanitary Corpse Handling

A Ghanaian youth organization has raised alarm over the increasing public display of corpses at funeral events, calling for immediate law enforcement intervention to curb potential health hazards.

The African Young Leaders Foundation (AYLF) has identified multiple violations of public health and criminal statutes in what it describes as the mishandling of human remains at public gatherings.

Executive Director James Aaporekuu cited specific legal provisions being breached, including Section 50 of the Public Health Act (2012) regarding proper corpse disposal and Section 285 of the Criminal Offences Act (1960) covering improper treatment of dead bodies. The foundation’s concerns follow widespread circulation of social media videos showing corpses exposed in unsanitary conditions during funeral ceremonies.

“The reckless display of human remains creates dangerous disease transmission vectors while violating fundamental dignity norms,” Aaporekuu stated. The group has formally petitioned the Ghana Police Service to investigate recent incidents and prosecute offenders, emphasizing that current practices could trigger public health emergencies.

Beyond enforcement actions, the foundation advocates for nationwide public education campaigns on proper corpse management. They recommend collaboration between the Police Service, Ministry of Health, and traditional authorities to establish clear protocols for funeral practices that balance cultural traditions with modern health requirements.

Public health experts confirm that improper corpse handling can facilitate the spread of pathogens, including bloodborne and gastrointestinal diseases. The call for regulation comes as Ghana experiences increasing hybridization of traditional funeral rites with contemporary practices, sometimes leading to questionable treatment of remains.

Authorities have yet to respond to the foundation’s petition, but the debate highlights growing tensions between cultural expressions and public health imperatives in mortuary practices.