Graves to be recycled as Accra runs out of burial space

Europa 13:13 - 04 November 2016

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The move also comes on the back of overcrowding in the public cemeteries and the scarcity of land in Accra.

The Metro Public Health Department (MPHD) of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has developed a plan to recycle graves older than 20 years to make room for new burials.

The MPHD’s Director, Mr Victor Acquaye, who made this known, said his outfit also intends opening up the western section of the Awudome cemetery for development into a modern well-spaced and landscaped cemetery.

Many Ghanaians have resorted to burying their dead in homes and at church compounds due to the current overcrowding in the public cemeteries.

But Mr Acquaye has told the Mirror that even though the move is ideal and legal, it should not be encouraged.

According to him, people who die of contagious diseases could pose some health risks to others who live near the burial site.

He said before burials are carried out in such locations, strict environmental standards must be followed.

Mr Acquaye, however, indicated that permits for people to bury their dead at homes and at church compounds could only be granted after written applications, adding that “Even after the land factor is satisfied, we have to know the cause of death to ensure the burial does not pose any public health threat to people and the environment.”