Mr. Hudu Karim, the Metropolitan Environmental Analyst, has verified that 30 graves at the Takoradi Cemetery have been desecrated and looted, revealing a disturbing scene of scattered human remains and materials.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Mr. Karim disclosed that the affected section of the cemetery was designated for “future or life” graves purchased by living individuals for their eventual burials.

He noted the lack of security at the cemetery, emphasizing the overgrowth of weeds covering the sacred grounds.

“I have gone to inspect the place, and you see clothing, pieces of human remain indicating indeed these unscrupulous persons have really caused havoc,” Mr. Karim reported.

He expressed surprise at the situation, citing that while the removal of metal signposts and iron rods had occurred in the past, such activities had seemingly ceased.

Mr. Karim pledged immediate action, including weeding the area, implementing surveillance, and introducing a maintenance fee for relatives to support rehabilitation, walling, and gating the cemetery.

The Metropolitan Environmental Analyst lamented the apparent decline in moral and spiritual consciousness, questioning the motives behind the desecration of the deceased.

In a related development, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) is considering an increase in burial space acquisition rates.

The Ketan Road state cemetery, the only active public cemetery in the STMA, has sufficient space for the next five years.

The assembly has acquired a 37-acre land at Eshiem in preparation for a new public cemetery.

Mr. Karim estimated an annual burial rate of 200 to 300 individuals, excluding paupers and unidentified bodies.