What was expected to be a solemn farewell for a 62-year-old woman turned into a distressing ordeal for her family after they discovered that the body brought from a morgue for burial was not that of their relative.

According to a report by graphic.com, members of the Bretuo family of Akyem Apaaso, near Oda in the Eastern Region, were preparing to bury Margaret Yaa Kyeraa when they made the shocking discovery during the final viewing ceremony.

A family member explained that relatives became suspicious after taking a closer look at the body transported from the Oda Government Hospital mortuary.

The family said that while Yaa Kyeraa had a low haircut before her death, the woman in the casket had braided hair, immediately raising concerns that a mix-up had occurred.

The discovery brought burial preparations to an abrupt halt, forcing the family to return the body to the mortuary while efforts were made to locate the remains of their relative.

The situation was particularly painful for family members who had travelled long distances to attend the funeral, including the deceased’s husband, who flew in from Gabon, her father from Asante Juaben, and several relatives from Kumasi.

After days of uncertainty and investigations, the family was informed that Yaa Kyeraa’s body had been found at the Suhum Government Hospital mortuary.

The discovery reportedly came after checks were conducted to determine whether some bodies transferred from Oda to Suhum had been mistakenly switched.

Following discussions between hospital authorities and the affected families, arrangements were made for the bodies to be exchanged after relatives at both facilities verified the identities of their loved ones.

The Medical Superintendent of the Oda Government Hospital, Dr Kwabena Awuku, earlier described the incident as unfortunate and indicated that investigations were underway.

As part of efforts to resolve the matter, medical experts from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital were reportedly brought in to conduct DNA tests involving the children of the deceased and the unidentified body.

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However, when contacted after reports emerged that Yaa Kyeraa’s body had been found at Suhum, Dr Awuku declined to confirm or deny the development, telling The Mirror to “go and contact the family members of Kyeraa.”

Following the ordeal, the family has rescheduled the burial and final funeral rites of Margaret Yaa Kyeraa for June 13, 2026.

NA/MA