The Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA) has suspended all burials at the Osu Cemetery with immediate effect following reports of illegal exhumations, desecration of human remains and the unauthorised sale of burial plots.
The decision was announced by the Municipal Chief Executive, Alfred Ato Allotey-Gaisie, in a statement read to the media on Thursday, February 5, by the Mayor, Michael Kpakpo Allotey.
According to the Assembly, investigations and verified complaints indicate that some individuals unlawfully exhumed graves, tampered with human remains and sold burial spaces to unsuspecting families without authorisation.
Describing the acts as criminal and unethical, Mr Allotey-Gaisie said they were deeply offensive to Ghana’s cultural values and respect for the dead, and expressed sympathy to families who have been traumatised by the alleged activities.
He announced that burials at the cemetery have been suspended until further notice, although burials for indigenes will be allowed under strictly controlled procedures.
The suspension, he explained, will enable the Assembly to conduct a comprehensive assessment and audit of the cemetery’s management system, including a review of burial permits, plot allocations and authorisation processes.
KoKMA also announced enhanced security and monitoring at the cemetery, alongside increased oversight by the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit, to prevent further illegal activities and restore order.
The Assembly has urged families with relatives buried at the Osu Cemetery to visit the site and report any concerns, assuring the public of its commitment to transparency, dignity and respect in the management of public spaces.