According to Islamic religious law, burial typically occurs within 24 hours of death to protect the living from sanitary issues, except in cases where a person is killed in battle or foul play is suspected.

In such instances, it is crucial to determine the cause of death before proceeding with burial.

However, the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital has permitted worshippers of Allah to establish a new "mortuary" specifically for Muslims. This decision arises from concerns within the Muslim community regarding handling their deceased loved ones, considering their religious beliefs.

Speaking to Kyzz FM news, one of the mortuary attendants explained that Muslims have expressed concerns about how their deceased bodies are preserved. He mentioned that the Muslim community has initiated constructing a dedicated "mortuary" to separate their dead from the general public.

He also highlighted that the current arrangement of deceased bodies in the mortuary makes it challenging for Muslims to promptly identify their own, which is essential for adhering to their religious burial customs.

The Western Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service emphasized that the need for a separate "morgue" for Muslims extends beyond mere body preservation. It also provides a space where Muslims can perform specific rituals to prepare the deceased for burial.

Muslims adhere to various rituals at the mortuary to honor and respect the deceased, fulfilling their religious obligations. These rituals include:

1. Washing (Ghusl): Muslims perform a ritual washing of the deceased person's body, known as Ghusl, to cleanse and purify them before burial.

1. Shrouding (Kafan): The deceased is wrapped in a simple white cloth called a Kafan, symbolizing equality in death.

1. Funeral Prayer (Janazah): A special prayer, Janazah, is conducted to seek forgiveness and mercy for the deceased, serving as a final farewell.

1. Prompt Burial: It is preferred in Islamic tradition to bury the deceased as soon as possible after death, believing it allows the soul to rest peacefully.

These rituals underscore the importance of respecting the deceased and ensuring they are prepared for their journey into the afterlife. It's important to note that specific practices may vary depending on regional and cultural customs within the Muslim community.

Regarding technology, there is a pertinent issue where postmortem examinations may be required by law even though they may conflict with Islamic beliefs. This legal requirement arises when determining the cause of death is essential. Consequently, some deaths in the

Muslim communities face delays of up to 48 hours in burial, necessitating the need for a dedicated mortuary facility.