The Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency has expressed strong disapproval over a video circulating on social media showing some youth in Asante Akyem, Ashanti Region, engaging in disrespectful practices with the corpse of a deceased individual.

In a statement issued on Sunday, 30 June 2024, the Agency condemned the lack of respect and dignity displayed during the funeral rites, calling for a return to solemn and respectful funeral practices.

The video, which has garnered widespread attention online, depicts the youth carrying the corpse of their deceased colleague shoulder-high while parading around town.

The Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency criticised the act as a blatant violation of the solemnity required during such ceremonies.

“We are deeply saddened by the lack of respect and dignity shown towards the deceased in the video circulating on social media,” the Agency’s statement read.

It continued: “We condemn such despicable acts as it is against the solemnity and dignity that should be upheld during funeral ceremonies and strongly encourage the public to desist from such practices as it is in contravention with Public Health tenets and not in the best interest of public health and safety.”

The statement also referenced Section 285 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which addresses the unlawful hindrance of burial, disinterment, or harm of a deceased body.

The Act stipulates that such actions are considered a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine or imprisonment.

The Agency emphasised: “A person who unlawfully hinders the burial of the dead body of a person or without lawful authority disinters, dissects, or harms the dead body of a person, or being under a duty to cause the dead body of a person to be buried, fails to perform that duty commits a misdemeanor.”

It called on the public to “report any such abhorrent acts to the Agency for immediate action” and urged everyone to “continue to uphold and cherish the memories of our departed loved ones.”