The Okyenhene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin has declared illegal the burial of dead persons in private homes within the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area.

He says home burial offends Ghana's Environmental laws and the Akyem Abuakwa culture and traditions, adding that the burial is done at designated places only.

Speaking at the first quarter State Council Meeting of the people of Akyem Abuakwa in Kyebi, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin directed all the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to strictly enforce the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851) and the Mortuary and Funeral Facilities Act, 1998 (Act 563) within their jurisdiction.

“The laws require you to take permit for the burial of deceased at designated places, even with a private mortuary or places of burial, you need to apply for it and be granted a permit with conditions beforehand, you can undertake such a burial. Failure to comply with the laws comes with consequences,” Osagyefo noted.

He says the environmental and health risks associated with burial in residential compounds or inside homes are dire and pose a serious public health risk.

"Today, the Birim river has gotten worse; the turbidity levels of our water are over 500 000 and the Kyebi water plant can't work due to the dangerous level of turbidity. Many people are drilling boreholes at home. These dead bodies buried in the house compound will eventually produce serious contamination and end up in the wells. Can you imagine the health implications?" Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin asked.

According to Okyenhene, civilized societies do not tolerate these acts and must be stopped at once.

He urged the Regional Security Council to ensure strict compliance with the law.

In his contribution to reduce the further destruction of the Birim River, the Okyenhene has commissioned a 30-Man Squad Water Guard to police the Birim River and help curb the destruction.

He has tasked the team to work closely with the Ghana Police Service to ensure that illegal miners causing destruction to the Birim River are brought to book.

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, in a meeting with the Security Council, further expressed concerns about the invasion of Malians, Nigeriens and Nigerians within the Kyebi Zongo who are being used in the illegal mining enterprise.

He tasked the Immigration Service to raid all illegal immigrants from the Kyebi township and ensure decency in the area.