The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government has come under scrutiny after appointing a Chief Executive Officer and two Deputy Chief Executives f
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government has come under scrutiny after appointing a Chief Executive Officer and two Deputy Chief Executives for the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA)—an institution they once mocked and heavily criticized under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
In 2023, then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo appointed Dr. Yaw Twerefour, a seasoned medical doctor and public health specialist, as the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Agency. F
His appointment, done under Article 195(1) of the 1992 Constitution and section 100(1) of the Health Institutions and Facilities Act, 2011 (Act 829), was meant to provide regulatory oversight for mortuaries, funeral homes, and related facilities across the country.
At the time, the opposition NDC lambasted the government, arguing that such a position was unnecessary and wasteful.
Critics ridiculed the decision, suggesting that the state had misplaced priorities at a time when the health sector faced more pressing challenges such as under-resourced hospitals, inadequate health infrastructure, and delays in health insurance reimbursements.
However, in a sharp turn of events, the current NDC administration has not only maintained the position of CEO at the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency but has also expanded the leadership structure by appointing two deputy CEOs, all drawn from within its fold.
This development has triggered accusations of hypocrisy and political inconsistency, given the party’s earlier position on the matter.
Background to the Agency
The Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency was established to regulate the licensing, operations, and standards of mortuary and funeral services in Ghana.
The goal was to streamline the sector, ensure dignity in the handling of human remains, and curb malpractice in funeral-related businesses.
Dr. Twerefour, the first substantive CEO under Akufo-Addo, brought in over a decade of experience in medicine and public health.
He had previously served as Medical Superintendent at Anyaa Polyclinic, worked at Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital, and consulted for the National Health Insurance Authority. His academic credentials span from a medical degree in Moscow to specialized certifications in health management and safety from institutions in the UK and the US.
Despite his impressive profile, his appointment was overshadowed by political attacks, with the NDC branding it as unnecessary bureaucracy.
The NDC’s New Turn
Now in power, the NDC government has gone a step further by adding two deputy chief executives to the Agency’s management structure.
Party insiders justify the move by arguing that the scope of work at MoFFA requires broader leadership to improve oversight of the growing funeral and mortuary industry.
Yet, critics argue that the NDC’s decision contradicts its earlier stance and highlights a recurring trend in Ghanaian politics, where parties switch positions on policy decisions once they assume office.
Public Reaction
The appointments have sparked a mix of ridicule and debate on social media.
Many Ghanaians accuse both major political parties of lacking consistency and prioritizing partisan interests over the nation’s needs..
Some commentators point to this development as another example of the ballooning size of government despite constant calls for lean governance.
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