Emena Community Gripped by Tension Over Desecration of Graveyard

Emena, a community in the Oforikrom Municipality of the Ashanti Region, is currently experiencing escalating tension following the destruction of its community cemetery by a developer. They believe that their graveyard has been desecrated. 

According to reports, some individuals were initially arrested on Saturday in response to the incident that occurred on Thursday. 

Hon. Abraham Kwame Antwi, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Oforikrom, provided details about the incident on Nkwantannanso with George Adjei on July 10 .

He stated, “I became aware of the issue on Saturday, although it took place on Thursday. I was informed that a certain woman, with the assistance of two male residents from the community, was responsible for the destruction. When these two men felt threatened, they quickly sought refuge at the police station, realizing that their safety was at risk due to the anger of the residents.”

“Despite their detention, some residents demanded their release. I personally spoke with a commander, and as a result, the two men were transferred from Ampiadu Police Station to Tech Police Station.”

He further mentioned that he visited the site in the company of relevant authorities, including representatives from the Physical Planning Department and Environmental Health and Disease Control Department.

“As an assembly, we do not have right to determine ownership of the land. The determination of land ownership lies within the jurisdiction of the chiefs and the courts. Our role is to reference the existing schemes, although there are instances when no scheme is in place. In this particular case, the site plan clearly indicates that the woman encroached upon the cemetery.”

“One of the significant security concerns is the potential outbreak of diseases due to the disturbance of graves. The Environmental Health and Disease Control Department has advised that the area must be fumigated. I have also engaged with the traditional authorities, urging them to perform the necessary customs before the fumigation process takes place. The woman involved is currently in a meeting with the police,” he added.

Several residents expressed their deep dissatisfaction with the situation.

“It is truly heart-wrenching. This cemetery is the only one we have in this community, and its existence is primarily due to the presence of the Emena hospital. The cemetery holds great significance because it is meant to provide a final resting place for even strangers who may pass away here. However, it has now been sold, and houses have been built all around it. We earnestly plead with Otumfuo to intervene and assist us. If not, in two years’ time, individuals will have no choice but to bury their loved ones within their own properties,” said a resident.

Another resident shared, “The woman responsible for clearing the land is a child of Asante Akyem Domeabra Omanhemaaa. We implore Otumfuo to take action. Lands have been continuously sold in this area, and now even the cemetery has been affected. As a result, my father and uncles’ remains are exposed on the bare ground. It has become incredibly difficult for me to even have a meal. Otumfuo, please come to our aid.”

The community of Emena remains in a state of tension as the situation surrounding the destroyed cemetery continues to unfold.