A grieving family in Kwahu Behenase in Ghana’s Eastern Region has refused to claim the body of their deceased relative after being asked to pay a GH₵12,000 autopsy fee, sparking outrage and calls for reform in the country’s medical and justice system.
According to reports, the deceased, a 52-year-old man, was allegedly murdered under suspicious circumstances and taken to the morgue for a mandatory postmortem examination. However, the family said they were shocked when authorities demanded GH₵12,000 before the autopsy could be performed.
Family representatives told local media that they could not afford such a huge amount, especially as they were already struggling with funeral costs. They described the fee as “inhumane” and called on the government to intervene and review the policy on autopsy charges, particularly in criminal cases.
Community members have expressed sympathy for the family and criticized the system for putting financial burdens on victims of crime. They argue that in suspected murder cases, the state should bear the cost of autopsies since the examinations are crucial for criminal investigations and prosecution.
Legal and human rights experts have also weighed in, stating that the situation could undermine justice by discouraging families from cooperating with investigations. They stressed that autopsies are essential to prove causes of death, and failure to conduct them may allow murderers to go unpunished.
Police in the region say investigations into the murder are ongoing. However, the deceased’s body remains unclaimed at the morgue as the family maintains its stance until the authorities take responsibility for the autopsy expenses.
Source: Thepressradio.com
