The management of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has assured the public that operations at its mortuary will soon return to normal as ongoing refurbishment works near completion. This comes after the hospital, Ghana’s largest referral medical facility, temporarily suspended the acceptance of dead bodies and Brought-in-Dead (BID) cases to facilitate much-needed renovations aimed at improving the facility’s capacity and efficiency.
The temporary closure, which was officially announced on February 3, 2025, was necessary to allow for a comprehensive upgrade of the mortuary’s infrastructure. According to hospital authorities, the renovation project is crucial in ensuring the facility meets modern standards and provides dignified services to the public. The works involve repairing faulty refrigeration systems, improving ventilation, upgrading storage facilities, and ensuring the overall sanitary conditions meet the highest possible standards.
Providing an update on the progress of the refurbishment, the Head of Public Relations at Korle Bu, Mustapha Salifu, reassured the public that efforts are being made to complete the project as soon as possible. Speaking to Citi News on Monday, March 10, Salifu stated that while contractors are still at work, the project has seen steady progress. He emphasized the hospital’s commitment to ensuring that the mortuary is restored to full operational capacity without compromising the quality of the renovations.
“We are still on it, and as soon as the contractor wraps up, we will let you know. Our focus is on finishing the servicing. People are also complying with the announcement that we made. We hope to finish up soon so that the mortuary can resume normal operations,” Salifu stated.
The suspension of mortuary services at Korle Bu, though temporary, has had a significant impact on families, funeral homes, and other medical facilities that rely on the hospital’s morgue for the preservation and management of deceased persons. Many families who had planned to deposit the remains of their loved ones at Korle Bu were forced to make alternative arrangements at other hospitals and private mortuaries. This has placed a strain on other facilities, particularly in Accra, where demand for mortuary services is high.
Several private mortuaries in the city have reported an increase in the number of bodies received since Korle Bu’s closure. Some families have also faced challenges in securing space at alternative facilities, leading to delays in funeral arrangements. Additionally, the cost of storing bodies in private facilities is often higher than at public hospitals, placing an extra financial burden on grieving families.
Despite these challenges, hospital management insists that the refurbishment was long overdue and essential to ensuring that the mortuary operates at the highest possible standard. Reports over the years have highlighted concerns about the facility’s deteriorating state, including malfunctioning refrigeration units, overcrowding, and inadequate storage conditions. The renovation project, once completed, is expected to address these concerns and improve overall service delivery.
Ghana’s mortuary sector has faced several challenges over the years, with concerns ranging from inadequate facilities to poor working conditions for mortuary staff. The Korle Bu mortuary, being one of the largest and busiest in the country, has often been under immense pressure to accommodate high numbers of deceased persons. The facility serves not only Accra but also receives bodies from across the country due to its reputation as a leading medical institution.
For years, workers at the mortuary have called for improvements, citing difficult working conditions, outdated equipment, and limited storage space. The renovation project currently underway is expected to alleviate some of these concerns and create a more efficient and dignified environment for both staff and bereaved families.
The temporary suspension of services at Korle Bu’s mortuary has also raised broader discussions about the need for investment in Ghana’s mortuary infrastructure. Many have called on the government to allocate more resources toward upgrading mortuary facilities across the country, ensuring that hospitals and public mortuaries are well-equipped to handle increasing demand.
In addition to upgrading existing facilities, experts have also emphasized the need for improved policies governing mortuary operations in Ghana. These include the enforcement of strict hygiene standards, better training for mortuary staff, and the introduction of modern preservation techniques to enhance service delivery.
As renovations near completion, the public remains eager for the full resumption of operations at the Korle Bu mortuary. Families who have been affected by the closure are hopeful that the upgraded facility will provide better services and ease the burden on other mortuaries in the city.
The hospital has assured the public that once the refurbishment is complete, it will communicate the official reopening date promptly. In the meantime, the hospital has urged families and funeral service providers to continue complying with the directive and seek alternative arrangements until operations resume.
Moving forward, the management of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has pledged to prioritize the maintenance of the upgraded mortuary facility to prevent future disruptions. Authorities have assured that periodic assessments and routine maintenance will be carried out to ensure the facility remains in good condition and continues to serve the public effectively.
For now, the hospital remains focused on completing the project as soon as possible, ensuring that when the facility reopens, it will be able to provide dignified and efficient services to the people of Ghana. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining when normal operations can fully resume, but for now, the assurance from hospital authorities offers hope that relief is on the horizon for affected families and funeral service providers.
As the largest referral hospital in Ghana, Korle Bu’s commitment to improving its facilities is a step in the right direction. The mortuary’s refurbishment aligns with broader efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure and ensure that every aspect of the hospital meets modern standards. Once completed, the renovated facility is expected to serve the needs of the public more effectively, providing much-needed relief to both families and healthcare providers who rely on its services.
