Air Freight Services for Deceased Persons in Ghana

Air Freight Services for Deceased Persons in Ghana

In Ghana, the transportation of a deceased person's body, especially across international borders, is a delicate and complex process that requires specialised services. Air freight services play a crucial role in ensuring that the deceased are repatriated or transported with the utmost dignity and care.

This blog explores the processes involved, and the importance of these services, and highlights companies in Ghana that offer expert air freight services for deceased persons.

Importance of Air Freight Services in Ghana

  • A Global Need

With Ghana's diaspora spread across the globe, it is not uncommon for families to wish to repatriate the bodies of their loved ones who pass away abroad. Similarly, expatriates living in Ghana may wish for their remains to be returned to their home countries. In such scenarios, air freight services are indispensable. These services ensure that the deceased can be transported swiftly and respectfully, adhering to the legal and cultural expectations of both the departing and receiving countries.

  • Legal and Cultural Considerations

Transporting a body by air is governed by a multitude of regulations that vary depending on the countries involved. In Ghana, as in many other places, it is mandatory to secure the necessary permits, including death certificates, embalming certificates, and a “No Objection” letter from the embassy of the destination country. Air freight services coordinate these legalities, ensuring that all paperwork is in order, thus preventing any delays or complications during the process.

Process of Air Transport for Deceased Persons

  • Preparation of the Body

Before a body can be transported by air, it must be properly prepared according to international health and safety standards. This typically involves embalming, which preserves the body during the journey, and placing the body in a hermetically sealed casket or container. This process ensures that the body remains in a suitable condition throughout the transport.


  • Documentation and Permits

The next step involves obtaining all the necessary documentation. Key documents include the death certificate, a certificate of embalming, a transit permit, and a consular mortuary certificate from the relevant embassy. These documents must be meticulously prepared and submitted to the appropriate authorities before the body can be cleared for transport.

  • Coordination with Airlines

Once the documentation is in place, the air freight service coordinates with airlines that have the capacity and the expertise to handle such sensitive cargo. Not all airlines are equipped to transport human remains, so the service provider must select the appropriate carrier. The service also involves coordinating the logistics at both the departure and arrival airports, ensuring that the process is smooth and respectful. 

  • Final Arrangements at the Destination

Upon arrival at the destination, the air freight service typically arranges for the body to be collected and transported to a funeral home or the final resting place. This final leg of the journey is handled with the same level of care and respect, ensuring that the wishes of the deceased and their family are honoured.

  • Coordination with Airlines

Once the documentation is in place, the air freight service coordinates with airlines that have the capacity and the expertise to handle such sensitive cargo. Not all airlines are equipped to transport human remains, so the service provider must select the appropriate carrier. The service also involves coordinating the logistics at both the departure and arrival airports, ensuring that the process is smooth and respectful. 

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Leading Freight Services in Ghana

Air Ghana

Air Ghana is a leading provider of air freight services in the country. They offer specialised services for the transportation of human remains, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and that the process is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. 

McDan Aviation

McDan Aviation provides a range of air freight services, including the transportation of deceased persons. Their services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each family, ensuring that the process is as smooth and respectful as possible.

Modern World Logistics Limited

Modern World Logistics offers reliable air freight services for the repatriation of human remains. They handle all aspects of the process, from documentation to the coordination of flights, ensuring that the deceased are transported safely and respectfully.

Significance of Professional Air Freight Services

Air freight services for deceased persons are essential in ensuring that loved ones are returned home with dignity and respect. The meticulous attention to detail, adherence to legal requirements, and coordination involved in these services highlight their importance in providing closure for grieving families.

In Ghana, companies like Air Ghana, McDan Aviation, and Modern World Logistics are leading the way in offering these critical services, making sure that the final journey of the departed is handled with the care and professionalism it deserves.  

For more information on air freight services in Ghana, visit the Air Freight category on our website Air Freight Services within Ghana to find companies who offer freight services.



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