Minister lauds private sector role as Eastern Funeral Home opens in Koforidua

The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has commended private sector investors for complementing government’s efforts to expand critical service infrastructure following the official opening of the Eastern Funeral Home Ltd. in Koforidua.

According to the Minister, facilities such as the newly inaugurated funeral home provide structured and dignified environments for families during moments of loss while also contributing to improved urban organisation and service delivery.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, March 05, 2026, the Minister noted that government alone cannot provide all the infrastructure required for national development, stressing that private sector participation remains essential in bridging the gap.

“Government alone cannot provide all the infrastructure needed for national development. The private sector therefore plays a crucial role in complementing the efforts of government through strategic investments in various sectors of the economy,” he said.

He described the establishment of the facility as a significant contribution to service infrastructure in the Eastern Region, adding that it would also generate employment and stimulate local economic activity.

“Beyond the physical structure itself, developments such as this create employment opportunities, stimulate local economic activity and contribute to the overall development of the community in which they are located,” he added.

The official opening ceremony brought together government officials, traditional authorities, clergy and members of the public. The event was attended by the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, and the Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Nana Kwaku Boateng III, who performed the ribbon-cutting and unveiling of the commemorative plaque.

Delivering the keynote address, the Regional Minister described the project as a milestone for the region’s development, noting that the facility represents a purposeful vision dedicated to serving humanity with dignity and professionalism.

She emphasised that the project demonstrates how well-planned private investment can transform communities and inspire confidence in local growth.

“This structure stands as a modern landmark that brings pride to the neighbourhood and adds measurable value to its surroundings,” she said.

The Chief Executive Officer of the funeral home, Joseph Kwasi Okyere, said the facility was established to provide professional and compassionate funeral services that uphold the highest standards of ethics, hygiene and dignity.

He explained that the centre will offer services including embalming, body preservation, dressing and viewing arrangements for funeral ceremonies, while also providing a serene environment for families to honour their departed loved ones.

“Our aim is to ensure that every loved one entrusted into our care is treated with honour, respect and professionalism,” he said.

Earlier, the administrator of the facility, Cleotha Mends-Buah, in a welcome address, noted that the establishment of the funeral home was inspired by the need to provide compassionate and efficient services to families during difficult moments.

The ceremony also featured a cultural performance, goodwill messages from representatives of the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency and industry stakeholders including Lashibi Funeral Home.

The facility was later dedicated by the Catholic Bishop of Koforidua, Most Rev. Joseph Afrifah Agyekum, who offered prayers for its successful operation.

Guests subsequently toured the facility and interacted with management and staff.

The Eastern Funeral Home is expected to enhance access to modern mortuary services within the region, reducing the need for families to travel long distances in search of advanced funeral facilities while supporting economic activity in the local community.