Correspondence from the Eastern Region

The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has intensified efforts to safeguard public health and the environment by outlawing the practice of burying the dead within private homes across the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area of the Eastern Region.

Addressing the first quarter State Council Meeting at Kyebi, the traditional ruler underscored that home burials violate both national legislation and long-standing cultural norms.

He stressed that all burials must be conducted only at officially designated sites and in accordance with established legal procedures.

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin further directed Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to rigorously enforce provisions under the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851) and the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Act, 1998 (Act 563).

He noted that individuals seeking to bury relatives must first obtain the necessary permits, warning that non-compliance would attract sanctions.

Highlighting the risks associated with the practice, the Okyenhene pointed to growing environmental and health threats, particularly the potential contamination of water sources.

He expressed concern over worsening conditions of the Birim River, where high turbidity levels have rendered the Kyebi water treatment plant ineffective, forcing many residents to rely on boreholes.

According to him, burials within residential compounds could further compromise groundwater quality and pose serious health dangers.

He emphasised that such practices are inconsistent with standards in modern societies and must be halted immediately. To ensure compliance, he called on the Regional Security Council to support enforcement efforts.

As part of broader interventions to protect the environment, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin also announced the formation of a 30-member Water Guard tasked with monitoring activities along the Birim River.

The team is expected to collaborate with the Ghana Police Service to clamp down on illegal mining operations contributing to the river’s degradation.

Additionally, the Okyenhene raised concerns over the increasing involvement of foreign nationals in illegal mining activities within Kyebi, particularly in the Zongo community.

He urged the Ghana Immigration Service to take decisive action against undocumented immigrants and restore order in the area.