Traditional Ruler Sets New Burial Rules In His Kingdom

Which burial rules should hold sway, in the face of a clash between a nation’s public health act and the preservation of family values?

That question is being answered in a profound way within the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area in Ghana.

The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has just spelt out new burial rules in domain, particularly declaring a stop to continued burials of deceased persons in private homes within the area

According to him, the practice has become illegal as it violates the country’s environmental laws as well as the customs and traditions of Akyem Abuakwa.

He made these clear at the first-quarter State Council Meeting in Kyebi.

There, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin directed all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to strictly enforce the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), and the Mortuary and Funeral Facilities Act, 1998 (Act 563) within their jurisdictions.

“The laws require you to obtain a permit for burials at designated places. Even if you have a private mortuary or burial site, you must apply for a permit and meet the required conditions before conducting a burial. Failure to comply carries consequences,” he warned.

“Civilised societies do not tolerate such practices, and they must stop immediately,” he said , while highlighting the associated environmental and public health risks.

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For example:

1. Turbidity levels in the Birim River have exceeded 500,000, rendering the Kyebi Water Plant inoperative.
2. Many residents are now drilling boreholes at home, and bodies buried in residential compounds could contaminate these wells, posing severe health hazards.

“Civilised societies do not tolerate such practices, and they must stop immediately,” he said, urging the Regional Security Council to ensure strict compliance with the law.

Straightaway, he has commissioned a 30-man Water Guard squad to monitor and safeguard the Birim River.

He also also directed the Immigration Service to conduct raids and remove illegal immigrants involved in mining activities in the Kyebi Zongo, restoring order and decency in the township.