Over the years, the Old Tafo cemetery, in Greater Kumasi had not seen better days, with weeds sprouting up around the headstones and trash scattered about. Walking through the cemetery, both during the day and night, had become increasingly dangerous as it turned into a hideout for criminals and drug addicts.

There were reports of attacks on innocent people who passed through the area, and stolen bags or items from robberies were often found in the cemetery.

It is believed that after carrying out their attacks, the perpetrators would take anything valuable and discard the bags in the cemetery.

However, 21 men have taken it upon themselves to transform the graveyard into a safe space for residents and workers in the area, ensuring its security both day and night.

Every Saturday morning, Abubakar Karim and his team would meet at the graveyard, armed with rakes, trash bags, and a determination to make a difference.

They would spend hours clearing away the debris, cutting the overgrown bushes, and preparing new graves for emergency burials.

"The cemetery is now safe. In fact, you can walk through it at any time. If anyone tries to attack you, people will see because the place is now clean," one of the members said.

As they work, they talk about their lives, dreams, and hopes for the future. Some of them grew up together exploring Old Tafo Zongo, but the project has brought them even closer.

They now feel a strong sense of purpose in taking care of the graveyard and the people buried there.

The Muslim community started noticing the changes in the graveyard, and soon they began stopping by to thank Abubakar and his team for their efforts. This made the team smile and feel proud of what they have accomplished.

One of the dedicated members of the cleaning group, Abdul Razak Sayibu, who lost his father, Alhaji Sayibu Ibrahim, on August 3, 2023, recalls his first visit to the Old Tafo Cemetery two years ago.

He was moved by the transformation he saw in the cemetery, thanks to the tireless efforts of the group.

“When I visited the cemetery back then, I was really touched by the work that had been done to create a clean and respectful environment for the deceased,” he shared.

Since that day, Abdul Razak has made it a point to visit the cemetery regularly. Each time he goes, he takes a moment to pay his respects at his father’s grave and offers prayers for the deceased.

"Every time I visit, I pray for my father and all those who rest here. It is a way of honoring them," he said.

Abdul Razak also reflected on the condition of the cemetery when he first went there.

"When I saw how dirty the cemetery was, with overgrown bushes and litter scattered around, I knew I had to do something," he recalled.

"I decided to join this group, and since then, we have worked hard to keep the place clean and dignified."

Despite the physical effort involved and the fact that none of the volunteers receive payment for their work, Abdul Razak finds immense satisfaction in what he does.

"It’s not about the money. It’s about doing something meaningful for Allah and ensuring that the dead have a proper resting place," he explained.

"There is a deep sense of fulfillment in knowing that our actions are creating a lasting, peaceful space for those who have passed."

Abdul Razak’s dedication is a reflection of the group’s overall spirit, working selflessly to serve both the living and the deceased.

The team believes that keeping the cemetery clean is not only an act of respect for the departed but also a way to fulfill their religious duty and contribute to the well-being of their community.

Sheikh Abdul Razak Bawa Aransa, who tragically lost his brother, Sheikh Dr Osman Olando Aransa in 2021, expressed his surprise upon seeing the improvements made to the cemetery by the group of dedicated volunteers.

He said the volunteers have worked tirelessly to protect the cemetery from encroachment, maintain its cleanliness by tidying it weekly, fill in graves affected by erosion, and ensure the site is well-lit for late evening or emergency burials.

“They have also prepared graves in advance for situations requiring simultaneous burials,” he stated.

Sheikh Aransa emphasised the importance of supporting these volunteers. “These volunteers deserve our financial and physical support,” he said.

“We should provide them with token payments for their services, ensure their healthcare is taken care of, and supply them with the necessary tools for their work.”

As 2025 has just started, Abubakar and his team continue to care for the graveyard, and some residents also continue to show their appreciation.

The graveyard is once again becoming a place of beauty and peace, where people can now come to remember and honor their loved ones.

They have learned that even the smallest acts of kindness and respect could make a big difference in the world.