Residents of Takoradi in the Western Region of Ghana are gripped with fear following reports of extensive looting and desecration of graves in the Takoradi Cemetery.
Grave robbers have reportedly stolen vital parts from bodies, destroyed coffins, and tampered with over one hundred graves.
Mr Abdul Karim Hudu, the Environmental Health Director of the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, confirmed the disturbing incident.
He revealed that checks conducted by health officials showed more than 30 graves had been tampered with, stating, “I went there with my team to ascertain the extent of looting and it was bad. We counted over 30 graves that have been looted, and we still don't know the people behind the act.”
Connect FM's news team, however, discovered that the scale of the looting exceeded initial estimates, with over one hundred graves affected.
In response to the situation, Mr Hudu outlined measures taken by the Assembly to address the issue and enhance security at the cemetery.
“We have contracted prisoners to weed the cemetery, and we shall also hire the services of a security company to guard the place,” he explained. Additionally, arrangements have been made to collect maintenance fees from families with relatives buried at the cemetery.
The Takoradi Cemetery was closed in 2019 by the late mayor of Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis, Anthony K.K Sam, due to reaching its full capacity.
Families were directed to use a designated stretch of land surrounding the Ketan Road cemetery for burials.