- KoKMA suspends all burials at Osu Cemetery after reports of illegal exhumations, desecration, and unauthorized sale of plots
- Municipal Chief Executive Alfred Ato Allotey-Gaisie described the acts as criminal, unethical, and offensive to Ghanaian cultural values
- Verified complaints indicate some individuals tampered with graves and sold burial spaces without authorization
The Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA) has suspended all burials at Osu Cemetery with immediate effect following reports of illegal exhumations, desecration of human remains, and the unauthorized sale of burial plots.
The decision was announced by the Municipal Chief Executive, Alfred Ato Allotey-Gaisie, in a statement delivered to the media on Thursday, 5 February, by Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey.
Describing the reported activities as criminal and unethical, Mr. Allotey-Gaisie said they deeply violate Ghanaian cultural values and the respect owed to the deceased.
According to verified complaints, some individuals unlawfully exhumed graves, tampered with human remains, and sold burial spaces at Osu Cemetery to grieving families without authorization.
“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.
He acknowledged the emotional distress caused to affected families and expressed the Assembly’s sympathy to those who have suffered trauma as a result of the alleged activities.
As an immediate measure to restore order, KoKMA announced the suspension of all burials at the cemetery until further notice, although burials for indigenes will be allowed under strictly controlled procedures.
Mr. Allotey-Gaisie explained that the suspension will enable the Assembly to conduct a comprehensive assessment, audit, and restructuring of the cemetery’s management system.
The Assembly also plans a full audit of all burial permits issued, including verification of burial plots, documentation, and authorization processes, to identify irregularities and prevent future abuses.
To curb further illegal activity, KoKMA will enhance security and monitoring at the cemetery, including deploying additional personnel and strengthening on-site supervision to prevent unauthorized access and further desecration.
“As Municipal Chief Executive, I have directed the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit to intensify its oversight and ensure the management of Osu Cemetery respects the dignity of those laid to rest,” he said.
The Assembly has urged families with relatives buried at Osu Cemetery to visit the site and report any concerns through official municipal channels.
Mr. Allotey-Gaisie reaffirmed KoKMA’s commitment to transparency, dignity, and respect for cultural and human values in the management of public spaces, assuring the public that further updates will be provided as investigations and audits progress.
Members of the public were advised to contact the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit of KoKMA for further information.
