The Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA) has suspended all burials at the Osu Cemetery with immediate effect following revelations of illegal exhumations, desecration of human remains, and the unauthorised sale of burial plots.
The decision was announced by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Alfred Ato Allotey-Gaisie, through a statement read to the media on Thursday, 5 February, by the Mayor of Korle Klottey, Mr. Michael Kpakpo Allotey.
Describing the reported activities as both criminal and unethical, Mr. Allotey-Gaisie said the acts were deeply offensive to Ghanaian cultural values and showed a gross lack of respect for the dead.
According to the Assembly, verified complaints indicate that some individuals unlawfully exhumed graves, tampered with human remains, and sold burial spaces at the cemetery to unsuspecting and grieving families without the requisite authorisation.
“We have taken notice of the disturbing reports and magnified complaints regarding the illegal and unethical activities and procedures, including the unlawful excavation of graves, desecration of human remains and the unauthorised sale of burial sites to grieving and unsuspecting families.
“All burials at Osu Cemetery are hereby put on hold. They will be put on hold for the next two months,” he announced.
“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,” Mr Allotey-Gaisie stated.
Mr Allotey-Gaisie explained that the suspension would allow the Assembly to undertake a comprehensive assessment, audit and restructuring of the cemetery’s management system.
“This process will help identify burial damages, establish a track of families and prevent future abuses, security issues and financial losses. This measure is essential to allow for comprehensive assessment, audits and restructuring of the management of the cemetery,” Mr Gaisie said.
He disclosed that the Assembly will also conduct a full audit of all burial permits issued, including the verification of burial plots, documentation and authorisation processes, to uncover irregularities and prevent future abuses.
To curb further illegal activity, the Assembly announced enhanced security and monitoring at the cemetery, including the deployment of additional personnel and tighter on-site supervision to prevent unauthorised access and further desecration.
“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 encouraged families who have relatives buried in the Osu Cemetery to visit the location and report any issues via the proper municipal procedures.
Mr. Allotey-Gaisie assured the public that more updates would be given as investigations and audits are ongoing.
Mr Allotey-Gaisie reaffirmed KoKMA’s commitment to transparency, dignity and respect for cultural and human values in the administration of public spaces, assuring the public that further updates would be provided as investigations and audits progress.
