A viral video has sparked outrage in Ghana, showing mourners mishandling a corpse at a funeral in Akutuase in the Asante Akyem North Municipality. The video shows a youth group carrying the corpse of a young man on their shoulders without a coffin, leading to widespread condemnation.

The chief of Akutuase, Nana Kofi Asare Bediako, has reacted with dismay, calling for the arrest of those circulating the video. According to him, the incident occurred over five years ago and had been condemned by the community. He questioned the motives behind re-circulating the video, making it seem like a recent incident.

Nana Bediako described the public display of corpses as dangerous, especially when the cause of death may be transmissible. He announced that the community has banned laying dead bodies in public to avoid such sacrilege.

The Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA) has also condemned the act, describing it as disrespectful and undignified. The agency joined the chief in calling for the arrest of those behind the circulation of the video. The incident has sparked a national conversation on funeral practices and the need for respect and dignity in handling the dead.

Social media users also reacted with shock and disbelief, with many questioning the dignity and respect accorded to the deceased.

“In Ghana, you can’t even rest in peace,” wrote one user.

“Shouldn’t this be considered as an abuse of a dead body?” asked another. Some are also criticizing the practice as unnecessary and excessive, with one user asking, “Why do we always want to take everything overboard?”

Others are expressing disgust and disappointment, with one user writing, “This is madness! Ain’t there any elders in that town?”

Another user added, “People are fighting for better life and good governance, this is what we’re doing in Ghana. How can we be taken seriously in this country?”