-BY Daniel Bampoe
A leading youth-focused advocacy group, the African Young Leaders Foundation (AYLF), is calling on the Ghana Police Service and government authorities to take swift and decisive action against individuals involved in the public display of corpses in unhygienic conditions at funeral ceremonies.
The call follows a series of disturbing viral videos circulating on social media that show human remains being handled in ways that the group describes as unethical, illegal, and dangerous to public health.
James Aaporekuu, founder and CEO of AYLF, told Asaase News that such incidents are not isolated but part of a growing trend where funerals—some of which are culturally extravagant—have become platforms for shockingly unsanitary public exhibitions of the deceased.
He emphasized that these practices are not only in bad taste but also in direct violation of Ghana’s Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), particularly Section 50, which mandates the safe handling and disposal of human remains.
Aaporekuu also referenced Section 285 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which criminalizes such negligent acts, warning that continued disregard for the law could trigger a public health crisis.
“This is not just a matter of morality or tradition—this is a public health ticking time bomb,” he said, noting that improper handling of corpses could facilitate the spread of infectious diseases.
In response to the latest video that has sparked public outrage, AYLF is demanding a full-scale investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.
The group believes holding perpetrators accountable will serve as a deterrent and help curb the growing normalization of such acts.
Beyond enforcement, the foundation is advocating for intensified public education on proper mortuary and funeral practices.
According to the group, while cultural expressions of grief are respected, they must not come at the expense of public health or human dignity.
This is not the first time concerns have been raised over the handling of corpses in Ghana.
In past years, similar videos and images have emerged, sparking debates on funeral excesses and the need for better regulation and oversight.
Despite occasional warnings from health experts, enforcement has remained weak, enabling the continuation of these practices.
AYLF’s call to action puts fresh pressure on both the Ghana Health Service and law enforcement agencies to address what is now being framed not just as a moral issue but a national health and legal emergency.
