Accra: The Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly has suspended all burials at the Osu Cemetery with immediate effect following reports of illegal and unethical burial practices. The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Alfred Allotey Gaisie, announced the decision at a press conference on Thursday, February 5, 2026, after what he described as verified complaints involving unlawful exhumations, desecration of human remains, and the unauthorised sale of burial spaces.
According to Ghana Web, the Assembly has imposed a two-month suspension on all burials at the cemetery to allow for a comprehensive assessment, audit, and restructuring of its management. Gaisie highlighted the disturbing reports and magnified complaints regarding illegal and unethical activities, including the unlawful excavation of graves and the unauthorised sale of burial sites to grieving families.
Gaisie explained that the temporary closure would enable authorities to audit burial permits, verify documentation and burial plots, and address lapses within the management system. This process aims to identify burial damages, establish a track of families, and prevent future abuses, security issues, and financial losses.
He strongly condemned the alleged acts, describing them as both criminal and deeply offensive to cultural values and moral conscience. To prevent further unauthorised activities, additional security personnel will be deployed to strengthen monitoring at the cemetery.
Affected families have been assured that the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit has been directed to sanitise and protect the cemetery while investigations continue. Gaisie also noted that, while the suspension applies to the general public, burials for indigenes will still be permitted under strictly controlled procedures.