A mass burial is expected to be conducted for about three hundred and twenty (320) unclaimed bodies currently deposited at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital morgue in the coming days.

This information was disclosed by the Management of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in a press release dated Tuesday, December 23.

According to the statement, the exercise is intended to reduce severe congestion at the facility. Consequently, management has urged relatives who have abandoned the bodies of their loved ones to report to the hospital ahead of the scheduled exercise on Saturday, January 18.

“The Management of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) wishes to inform the general public that the Hospital Mortuary is currently congested and has reached full capacity. As a result, Management will conduct a mass burial of all unclaimed, unknown, and unidentified bodies at the mortuary. Relatives, next of kin, or any persons with interest in any of the bodies are requested to contact the Management of KBTH within twenty-one (21) days of this notice, on or before 18th January 2026, to make the necessary arrangements).

“Records indicate that about 320 unclaimed bodies are expected to be included. All bodies remaining unclaimed after the deadline will be buried in accordance with approved procedures and relevant regulations,” the statement explained.

In August, management of the Ghana Police Hospital conducted a mass burial for 300 unclaimed bodies deposited at the hospital’s morgue. In a statement signed by Public Affairs Officer, C/Inspr. Faustina Afia Nunekpeku, the hospital noted that the unidentified and unclaimed bodies were made up of paupers, unknown former patients, abandoned dead bodies, and accident and crime victims.

“This solemn task is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that the deceased are laid to rest with dignity in line with public health guidelines,” a part of the statement issued read.

The hospital noted that the occurrence of such unclaimed bodies was a reminder of the importance of proper identification. It entreated the general public to be vigilant in safeguarding personal details, especially when travelling or engaging in daily activities.

In light of this, the Ghana Police Hospital issued a number of preventive measures to avoid falling into the category of unknown deceased persons. These include carrying identification at all times. The hospital noted that regardless of age or location, individuals must have their national identification or that of any recognised organisation on them to help the police or others easily identify them whenever they are involved in any crisis.

Members of the general public have also been entreated to share emergency contact information with close family and friends.

“These contacts can be used to reach out in case of a medical emergency or any unforeseen incident. For those who live alone, we advise keeping a list of emergency contacts in easily accessible places,” the statement noted.

Additionally, the hospital urged the public to stay abreast of legal and safety requirements in the country. The hospital stated that there is the need to “always keep updated on local guidelines regarding health, safety and public transport, particularly in rural or less-patrolled areas where emergency services may be delayed.”

Furthermore, the Ghana Police Hospital advocated for families and friends to make a collective effort to “maintain regular communication and keep records of loved ones’ whereabouts, particularly the elderly, minors and individuals with mental health challenges who may be more vulnerable to disappearing without trace.”

“...we believe that this serves as a reminder to all of us about the importance of securing our identification and taking necessary precautions for our safety. We urge the general public to adhere to these messages to ensure their safety and prevent such unfortunate incident,” it added.

Management of the Ghana Police Hospital expressed sadness over its pending action; however, it emphasised the necessity of the mass burial. Members of the general public have been informed to contact the pathology department of the police hospital for identification of persons who might not have been seen for some time.

“This is to avert a situation whereby such bodies are added to those earmarked for mass burial,” the hospital explained.

In the first quarter of 2025, the Police Hospital undertook a mass burial of some 200 unclaimed and unidentified bodies. In a video, the Service explained that the exercise was part of efforts to decongest the hospital and ensure proper maintenance of its storage unit. The deadline for the identification and collection of bodies was February 28, 2025. As such, members of the public were urged to check with the Police Hospital Pathology Department to identify and claim any missing or deceased relatives.

In February this year, the facility carried out a mass burial for some seven unclaimed bodies at the Very Important Personality (VIP) mortuary at Bogoso in the Western Region. These bodies had been deposited for about 20 months. The remains included victims of vehicular accidents, persons who had succumbed to crime-related injuries, and abandoned remains. The burial was held despite numerous efforts by the Police at Bogoso to identify the next of kin of the deceased.

The Ghana Police Hospital is not the only health facility to have carried out mass burials in recent times, as many health institutions have bemoaned the number of bodies left unclaimed by families.

In April this year, the Greater Accra Regional Hospital undertook a mass burial for some 69 identified bodies that were yet to be claimed. These bodies had remained in the mortuary for over nine months. A three-week ultimatum was issued for the bodies to be claimed. After the deadline elapsed, a mass burial was carried out in collaboration with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and its environmental unit to decongest the mortuary and maintain public health standards.

In 2024, the Tema General Hospital in the Greater Accra Region held a mass burial for three unclaimed bodies that had been deposited at the hospital’s morgue for over a year.

The mortuary provides secure storage for deceased individuals until they are claimed by families or transferred for further procedures. It also ensures proper identification of bodies, maintains detailed records, and facilitates autopsies and post-mortem examinations in coordination with medical staff and relevant authorities. Additionally, it manages the release of bodies to families or funeral services, ensuring that all legal and procedural requirements are met, while offering guidance and support to grieving families.

Meanwhile, mortuary workers have, in the past and in recent times, bemoaned poor working conditions and delays in the payment of salaries. A year ago, the Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana threatened to embark on strike action over the lack of adequate protective equipment, salary arrears dating back to 2020, and unpaid COVID-19 bonuses. The association withdrew its services in November.

In May this year, the association initiated negotiations with the incumbent government to address its challenges. In June, it engaged the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) over the concerns of the workers. Reports indicate that the meeting, which involved representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and teaching hospitals, ended on a positive note.

It is reported that the Chief Executive of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Dr George Smith-Graham, assured the association of his commitment to collaborating with relevant authorities to address their concerns.