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, Alfred Ato Allotey-Gaisie, through a statement read to the media on Thursday, 5 February, by the Mayor, Michael Kpakpo Allotey.

Describing the reported practices as criminal and unethical, Mr Allotey-Gaisie said they were deeply offensive to Ghana’s cultural values and 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 Osu Cemetery to unsuspecting and grieving families without authorisation.

“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 all those who have suffered trauma as a result of the alleged activities.

As part of immediate measures to restore order and accountability, KoKMA announced the suspension of all burials at the cemetery until further notice. However, burials for indigenes will be permitted under strictly controlled procedures.

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.

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, KoKMA 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 urged families with relatives buried at the Osu Cemetery to visit the site and report any concerns through the appropriate municipal channels.

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.

Members of the public were advised to contact the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit of the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly for further information.