A new 800-cabin mortuary facility at Mount Olives Hospital in Techiman, the Bono East Regional capital, has been officially opened for public use.
The state-of-the-art facility is designed to address the growing need for body preservation, beautification, and transport services for deceased individuals at the hospital and other health institutions in the Bono East region and beyond.
Dr. Gladstone Kessie, CEO of Mount Olives Hospital, spoke to the press on Tuesday in Techiman, stating that the mortuary would significantly alleviate the pressure on the region’s limited mortuary facilities. He also shared plans to expand the facility by adding a chapel, restaurant, private cemetery, recreational center, and accommodation options to turn the area into a potential tourist destination.
The new mortuary is equipped with various standards of cabins, including executive, VIP, and VVIP cabins, ensuring comfort and proper preservation of bodies before burial. Dr. Kessie emphasized that the facility is equipped with the latest technology for embalming, storage, beautification, and transportation of deceased individuals to both local and international destinations.
Dr. Kessie encouraged residents to treat the deceased with dignity, noting that “the dead were once like the living, and everyone will die someday.” He explained that the 70-bed Mount Olives Hospital, established in 2012, had been in urgent need of a modern mortuary facility to meet growing demand. The hospital already provides a range of services, including internal medicine, eye and dental care, X-ray and laboratory services, and maternal care.
Mr. Prosper Swanzey, General Manager of the Mount Olives mortuary, assured the public that the facility operates under strict international health, safety, and environmental standards. He highlighted the use of advanced equipment, professional morticians, and a focus on excellent customer service, which together position the mortuary as a first-class service provider.
Dr. Kessie expressed his gratitude to the Paramount Chief of Techiman Traditional Council, Oseadieyo Akumfi Ameyaw IV, Professor Seth Ayittey, former head of the Anatomy unit at the University of Ghana, the chiefs and people of Tanoso, as well as the hospital staff and clients for their unwavering support of his vision.
Lastly, Dr. Kessie urged the public to continue adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols until the country achieves a zero case status.
