The Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA) has suspended all burials at the Osu Cemetery following revelations of illegal exhumations, desecration of human remains and the unauthorised sale of burial plots.
The announcement was made by the Municipal Chief Executive, Alfred Ato Allotey-Gaisie, and read by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey.
Mr. Allotey-Gaisie mentioned that such acts are offensive to the Ghanaian culture which is disrespectful to the dead emphasising that the practice is criminal and unethical.
He said, “The Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly condemns these acts in the strongest terms. Such conduct is not only criminal but also deeply offensive to our moral conscience, cultural values, and reverence for the dead.”
According to the Assembly, complaints indicate that some individuals unlawfully exhumed graves, tampered with human remains and sold burial spaces at the Osu Cemetery to unsuspecting and grieving families without authorisation.
He acknowledged the emotional distress the act has caused to the affected families and expressed sympathy to all those involved.
As a result, KoKMA has therefore announced the suspension of all burials at the cemetery until further notice, stating that burials for indigenes will be permitted under strictly controlled procedures.
Mr. Allotey-Gaisie explained that the suspension is to allow the Assembly to conduct a comprehensive assessment, audit and restructuring of the cemetery’s management system.
The Assembly will conduct a full audit of all burial permits issued, which includes the verification of burial plots, documentation and authorisation processes, to detect irregularities and prevent future abuse of the cemetery space.
Again, KoKMA has announced the Enhancement of security and monitoring system at the cemetery, which includes the deployment of additional personnel as well as tight on-site supervision to prevent unauthorised access and further desecration in the cemetery.
“As Municipal Chief Executive, I have directed the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit to intensify its oversight and sanitise the management of the Osu Cemetery, ensuring the dignity of those laid to rest is fully protected,” he said.
The Assembly has urged families with relatives buried at the Osu Cemetery to visit the site and report any concerns through the appropriate municipal channels.
The public is advised to contact the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit of the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly for further information.
KoKMA’s affirms its commitment to transparency, dignity and respect for cultural and human values in the administration of public spaces.
By Florence Asamoah Adom
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