Five arraigned over open defecation at Osu Cemetery

Five people have been arrested and brought before the James Town District Court for engaging in open defecation at the Osu Cemetery, as authorities step up the enforcement of sanitation regulations in the Korle Klottey Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.

The arrests were conducted by the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit of the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA) as part of an intensified campaign to curb unhygienic practices in public areas, especially sensitive locations like cemeteries.

During proceedings, two of the accused pleaded guilty and were each fined GH¢1,200. Two others initially entered guilty pleas with explanations, but their pleas were subsequently changed to not guilty. They were granted bail of GH¢3,000 each with two sureties and are scheduled to return to court on March 30, 2026.

The fifth accused person pleaded not guilty and was also granted bail in the sum of GH¢3,000 with two sureties, and will reappear on the same date. The case was heard by Her Worship Anna Akosua Appiah Gottfried Anaafi Gyafi.

The Assembly reaffirmed its resolve to prosecute individuals who breach sanitation by-laws as part of wider efforts to ensure cleanliness and safeguard public health within the municipality. Residents have been urged to make use of approved sanitation facilities at all times, with a caution that offenders will face legal action.