Pentecost University Launches Mortuary and Funeral Services Studies

Pentecost University has successfully launched a programme in Mortuary Science and Funeral Studies. This took place on the University’s main campus in Sowutuom Accra on Tuesday 22nd November 2022.

At the launch, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua said “we can’t fight death but we can develop structures to minimize its associated agonies and preserve the dignity of our departed loved ones.” The VC, therefore, enumerated the rationale of the programme. He said there are environmental, cultural and epidemic risks in mortuary and funeral services hence the need for universities to support the regulators and enhance the skills of practitioners who mostly acquire their skills on the job.

On the preparedness of the Pentecost University to deliver, the VC said “we have pulled together the strength of 5 of our faculties to deliver a unique programme.” He said the Faculty of Health and Allied Science will focus on the health side such as infection control and microbiology. At the same time, the Faculty of Business Administration will teach the students the business, finance, and customer service side.

He added, “we realised there are legal implications and this will be handled by experts from our Faculty of Law whilst the cultural, psychosocial aspect of grief and pastoral dimension will be handled by our Pentecost School of Theology, Ministries and Leadership.” “Not only that, the major engineering aspects associated with refrigeration, and decomposition will be handled by the Faculty of Engineering Sciences and Computing.” … the VC added.

On the target students, Prof. Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua said the courses are suitable for the various categories of professionals in the death care value chain including the Management and Entrepreneurial Class, Managers of Funeral Homes, Mortuaries, Mausoleum and Cemeteries. Others are the technical class which includes Morticians, Autopsy Assistants, and Prosectors, and then the miscellaneous Group which includes Mortuary Attendants, Embalmers, Pall Bearers, Hearse Drivers, Cemetery Keepers/Cisterns, Decorators, etc.

On his part, Mr Emmanuel Okyere who represented the Head of Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency of Ghana, Mr Matthew Kyeremeh commended Pentecost University for starting the programme. Referencing relevant portions of the MOFFA Act 2011 (Act 829) on training, Mr Okyere pledged the continuous support and partnership of the Agency with Pentecost University in “research and innovation to have a scientific basis to inform policymaking in the death care industry and also build the capacity of staff to provide quality training and service.”

In throwing light on the programme, the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences of Pentecost University Dr Ebenezer Appiah-Denkyira said it is going to be intensive. He enumerated some of the courses which include pathology, microbial morphology, anatomy, and embalming. He also emphasized the application of technology and social care in the training and assured that the university is well-positioned to deliver the programme.

On his part, the admissions officer, Mr Isaac Yeboah encouraged all who can read and write to apply. Admissions are open and application forms (online) for all Pentecost University undergraduate Programmes are free.

Pentecost University as part of the ongoing University A+ seeks to provide solutions to all aspects of human problems. This includes developing programmes and projects in otherwise unconventional but relevant areas for national development.

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