The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin has declared the burial of deceased persons in private homes within the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area as illegal.
He stated that the practice contravenes Ghana’s environmental laws and the customs of Akyem Abuakwa, stressing that burials must only take place at designated locations.
Speaking at the First Quarter State Council Meeting in Kyebi, the Okyenhene directed all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to strictly enforce the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851) and the Mortuary and Funeral Facilities Act, 1998 (Act 563) within their jurisdictions.
He explained that the laws require individuals to obtain permits before burying the deceased, even in private burial grounds, warning that failure to comply will attract sanctions.
Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin further raised concerns about the environmental and health risks associated with home burials, noting that such practices could contaminate water sources and pose serious public health threats.
He cited the worsening condition of the Birim River, where high turbidity levels have rendered the Kyebi water treatment plant ineffective, forcing many residents to rely on boreholes that could be exposed to contamination.
The Okyenhene also called on the Regional Security Council to ensure strict enforcement of the laws.
As part of efforts to protect the Birim River, he announced the formation of a 30-member Water Guard team to monitor activities along the river and curb illegal mining. The team has been tasked to collaborate with the Ghana Police Service to clamp down on illegal miners.
Additionally, he expressed concern over the presence of foreign nationals allegedly involved in illegal mining activities in Kyebi and urged the Ghana Immigration Service to take action to address the situation.
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