The Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly has ordered an immediate suspension of all burials at the Osu Cemetery after uncovering what it describes as widespread illegal and unethical burial practices.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Alfred Allotey Gaisie, announced the decision at a press conference on Thursday, February 5, following what he said were verified complaints involving unlawful exhumations, the desecration of human remains, and the unauthorised sale of burial plots.
In response, the Assembly has imposed a two-month halt on all burials at the cemetery to allow for a thorough assessment, audit, and overhaul of its management systems.
“We have taken seriously the disturbing reports and numerous complaints about illegal and unethical activities at the cemetery,” Mr Gaisie said. “These include the unlawful excavation of graves, desecration of human remains, and the unauthorised sale of burial sites to grieving and unsuspecting families.”
“All burials at the Osu Cemetery are therefore suspended for the next two months,” he announced.
According to him, the temporary closure will give authorities the space to audit burial permits, verify documentation and plots, and address long-standing gaps in the cemetery’s management.
“This exercise will help us identify damaged graves, establish proper records of families, and prevent future abuses, security breaches, and financial losses,” Mr Gaisie explained. “It is a necessary step to restore order and dignity to the management of the cemetery.”
He strongly condemned the alleged activities, describing them as criminal and an affront to societal values.
“The Assembly condemns these acts in the strongest terms,” he said. “They are not only criminal but deeply offensive to our cultural values, moral conscience, and respect for the dead.”
Mr Gaisie also disclosed that additional security personnel will be deployed to tighten monitoring and prevent further unauthorised activities at the site.
He assured affected families that the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit has been directed to sanitise and secure the cemetery while investigations continue.
“As a responsible authority, I have directed the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit to intensify its work by sensitising cemetery management and safeguarding the dignity of those laid to rest there,” he said, adding that the measures are aimed at preventing illegal access, grave desecration, and other unauthorised activities.
He clarified that while the suspension applies to the general public, burials for indigenes will still be allowed under strictly controlled procedures.