President Nana Addo Addo Akufo-Addo has encouraged all bereaved persons to conduct private burials for their loved ones but ensure that the 25-person limit is not breached because the country’s morgues are becoming full.

According to Nana Akufo-Addo, the full morgues will, in themselves, soon pose a public health hazard if they are not decongested.

Nana Akufo-Addo imposed a ban on social gatherings including funeral ceremonies, as part of measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

This was in line with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) requirement of observing social-distancing as a critical measure in dealing with the spread of the virus.

However, the President said private burials are allowed with a limited number of persons.

Addressing the nation on Sunday, 19 April 2020 to lift the three-week ban partial lockdown in Accra, Greater Kumasi, Tema and Kasoa, Nana Akufo-Addo advised that bereaved persons bury their loved ones in private ceremonies since the ban on social gathering is still in force.

“As difficult as it may be, I encourage all bereaved persons to conduct private burials of their loved ones, but ensure that the 25-person limit is not breached. Indeed, some are burying their loved ones now, in order to have the final funeral rites later. The morgues in the country are becoming full, and will, in themselves, soon pose a public health hazard. So, let us act quickly on this,” he stated.