The Ghana Police Hospital has announced plans to carry out a mass burial for approximately 200 unclaimed and unidentified bodies at its mortuary in Accra on March 28, 2025.
According to the Medical Director, Commissioner of Police (COP) Dr. Samuel Out-Nyarko, the exercise is necessary to decongest the mortuary and improve storage conditions for new cases.
In a press statement issued in Accra, the hospital’s management urged the public—particularly families with missing relatives—to visit the facility’s pathology department to identify and claim their loved ones before the deadline.
This follows a similar mass burial conducted at the VIP Mortuary in Bogoso, Western Region, on February 25, where seven unclaimed bodies, stored for over 20 months, were laid to rest. Many of these cases involved victims of accidents, abandoned remains, and individuals who suffered fatal injuries from crimes. Despite efforts by the police to trace their families, they remained unclaimed.
The Police Hospital also emphasized the importance of carrying valid identification to avoid being classified as unknown in case of an emergency or sudden death.
“While this mass burial is unfortunate, it highlights the need for everyone to keep their personal identification updated and take necessary precautions for their safety,” the statement read.
The public is encouraged to respond to this appeal and help ensure that no one is left nameless and unclaimed in the future.
