27
The Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA) has banned all burial activities at the Osu Cemetery for two months in response to reports of unauthorised burial site sales, illicit grave exhumation, and degradation of human remains.
Mr Alfred Allotey-Gaisie, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Korle Klottey, announced the suspension during a news conference in Accra yesterday. It takes effect immediately.
Mr. Allotey-Gaisie described the alleged conduct as unlawful and extremely repugnant to cultural norms, moral conscience, and respect for the deceased.
“This conduct is not only unlawful but deeply offensive to our moral conscience, our cultural values and the dignity of the deceased,” he told reporters.
He pointed out that the claimed actions had seriously damaged bereaved families’ emotional well-being and eroded public trust in the cemetery’s administration.
He stated, “We need to take decisive steps to restore order, protect public trust and ensure accountability.”
The MCE said that the Assembly would conduct a thorough audit of all payments associated with burial, including confirming documentation, records, and authorisation procedures.
He added, “This will help us identify challenges, establish accountability, and prevent future abuses.”
Mr. Allotey-Gaisie declared that in order to prevent illicit activity, vandalism, and unruly behaviour, security and management protocols at the Osu Cemetery would be reinforced.
The MCE stated that the Assembly has suspended all funerals at the cemetery for two months as a stopgap.
“The suspension applies to the general public, but burials involving indigenous persons will be permitted under strictly controlled procedures,” he said.
The decision will enable the Assembly to carry out a thorough evaluation and audit of the cemetery’s administration, Mr. Allotey-Gaisie said.
“The Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit has been directed to intensify its oversight responsibilities to ensure the proper management of the cemetery and safeguard the dignity of those laid to rest there,” he stated.
The Assembly’s dedication to openness and respect for human and cultural values was reiterated by the MCE.
He reassured the audience that more updates would be given and that investigations were still underway.
Source: newsthemegh.com
