By Daniel Bampoe
The family of a 62-year-old woman from Akyem Apaaso near Oda in the Eastern Region was thrown into confusion and grief after discovering that a body released to them by the Oda Government Hospital morgue for burial was not that of their deceased relative.
The shocking incident, which disrupted funeral arrangements and prompted investigations by hospital authorities, eventually led to the discovery of the missing corpse at the Suhum Government Hospital morgue.
The deceased, Margaret Yaa Kyeraa, had been deposited at the Oda Government Hospital morgue after her death and was scheduled to be buried on May 16, 2026. Preparations for the funeral had been completed, with undertakers reportedly preparing the burial grounds and family members gathering from various parts of the country and abroad for the final rites.
However, what was expected to be a solemn farewell quickly turned into a distressing ordeal when relatives who gathered for the customary viewing of the body noticed glaring differences between the corpse presented and that of their departed family member.
According to a family member who spoke on condition of anonymity, the body delivered from the morgue had braided hair, while Yaa Kyeraa had maintained a very low haircut before her death.
The discovery immediately raised concerns among family members, who refused to proceed with the burial and returned the body to the hospital. Subsequent efforts to locate Yaa Kyeraa’s remains at the Oda Government Hospital morgue proved unsuccessful, deepening the family’s anxiety and frustration.
The situation became even more distressing for the bereaved family because several relatives had travelled long distances to attend the funeral.
Among them was the widower of the deceased, who had flown into Ghana from Gabon. Her father had also journeyed from Asante Juaben in the Ashanti Region, while many other relatives had travelled from Kumasi to Apaaso to pay their final respects.
The unexpected development left the family disappointed and emotionally devastated.
Following investigations into the disappearance of the body, relatives were informed on May 20, 2026, that Yaa Kyeraa’s remains had been traced to the morgue of the Suhum Government Hospital.
The discovery reportedly came after inquiries were conducted into the recent transfer of corpses from the Oda Government Hospital facility, raising suspicions that the deceased’s body may have been mistakenly moved during the process.
The revelation brought some relief to the grieving family, although questions remained about how the mix-up occurred. Efforts were subsequently made to rectify the situation.
Relatives at Suhum arranged for a hearse to transport Yaa Kyeraa’s body back to the Oda Government Hospital morgue, while they carefully inspected and collected the body that rightfully belonged to their family.
The incident also drew the attention of hospital management. The Medical Superintendent of the Oda Government Hospital, Dr. Kwabena Awuku, initially appealed for patience as investigations commenced to establish the whereabouts of the missing corpse.
He described the development as unfortunate and indicated that management was exploring all avenues to resolve the matter.
As part of the investigation, medical experts from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital were reportedly brought in to conduct DNA tests involving the children of Yaa Kyeraa and the body that had been rejected by the family.
The move was intended to scientifically establish identities and ensure that no further errors occurred.
Hospital authorities later engaged the bereaved family in discussions aimed at resolving the matter.
On May 18, 2026, management of the Oda Government Hospital, led by Dr. Awuku, held a meeting with members of the family to address their concerns and explain the steps being taken to rectify the situation.
