Accra:According to Ghana Web, Ewurabena Quartey, the manager of Jabez Dominic Funeral Home, explains that morticians knock before entering the mortuary as a sign of respect for the deceased. This practice is akin to knocking before entering someone's room, signaling respect and awareness of the deceased's dignity.
Quartey elaborates that this respect extends to the preparation of the body for burial. Morticians often speak to the deceased, asking for permission before touching, bathing, or embalming them, despite knowing there will be no response. This approach is similar to the practice of "last offices" in hospitals, where health practitioners perform respectful procedures for those who have passed away.
Additionally, this process serves as a reminder to morticians that they are handling a person's body and privacy. Morticians may encounter scars, deformities, or other intimate aspects of the body, which are usually private. The practice reinforces the importance of maintaining confidentiality and respect for the deceased, creating a bond that ensures discretion with what they observe.