17th November 2023 5:00:00 AM
2 mins readIn a recent news report, it has been revealed that the cost of graves in Accra has witnessed a significant upsurge, raising concerns about the accessibility and affordability of burial spaces for families in the capital.The report highlights variations in pricing across different cemeteries in Accra, indicating a notable increase in burial expenses over the past five years.
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At the Osu Cemetery in Accra, a worker named Sammy disclosed that the cost of a grave, inclusive of the service for digging, has experienced a substantial rise. In 2018, the price stood at GH¢830, but it surged to between GH¢2,500 and GH¢3,500 last year and now stands at GH¢4,900.Addressing social media claims supported by a receipt indicating a GH¢14,000 payment for a grave, the cemetery official dismissed the allegations as false.
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He clarified that the standard cost is GH¢4,900, covering the site, digging, and other related services.The Osu Cemetery worker emphasized the importance of a medical doctor providing the cause of death for obtaining a death certificate, a requirement for obtaining a burial permit. He stated that the entire process costs GH¢4,900.Meanwhile, the Awudome Cemetery, while having lower grave prices compared to Osu, has also experienced an increase.
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Those opting not to erect a tombstone now pay GH¢1,100, while those desiring a well-laid tomb contribute GH¢2,600.At the Gethsemane Memorial Park in East Legon, the administrator, Albert Eyeson, revealed that the cost of a burial plot is GH¢47,000. This amount includes a 20-year lease, grave digging, and tombstone construction. The recent GH¢2,000 increase was attributed to the government's VAT increment.
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For the government-run Madina Public Cemetery, caretaker Kofi Dampare disclosed that the burial plot cost is GH¢450, with additional fees for digging and customization. These prices, he added, have seen a rise over the past two years, mainly due to inflation rates.The report sheds light on the varying costs of graves in different cemeteries, sparking concerns and discussions about the accessibility and affordability of burial spaces in Accra.
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As families grapple with the increasing financial burden of laying their loved ones to rest, there is a growing need for attention and potential reforms in the burial services sector to ensure equitable access for all.
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