Kumasi: Traditional rites performed to pacify the gods after cemetery destruction at Duase

A traditional ceremony was held at the Duase cemetery in Kumasi in the Ashanti region to pacify the gods and ancestors following the destruction of graves at the public cemetery by a private developer.

The ritual, which involved the slaughtering of sheep and the pouring of libation, was overseen by the chiefs, elders, and people of the community to appease the gods and ancestors.

The rituals held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, were led by Nana Sarpong Kumankuma, a linguist of Asantehene Nsumankwa (Chief Priest) Baffour Asabre Kugyawoasu.

Background to the Ceremony

The ceremony was necessitated by the unlawful attempt to develop the cemetery by a private developer, destroying some graves at the cemetery.

The situation is triggered by a controversy over the sale of part of the land to a private developer.

The residents had protested against the sale, describing it as an abomination and insisting that the cemetery is a sacred abode for their ancestors and gods.

Tension Remains High

Despite the ceremony, tension remains high between the residents and the private developer, with both parties unwilling to back down over the ownership of the disputed land.

The situation continues to be volatile, with no immediate resolution in sight.

Community’s Concerns

The residents are concerned that the destruction of the graves has disturbed the peace and tranquillity of the cemetery, which they believe is a sacred place.

A chief linguist at Duase, Nana Yaw Adu, said the traditional rites performed are “aimed at restoring peace and appeasing the gods and ancestors”.

“It is also a testament that the cemetery has been encroached and the Gyaase Division at the Kumasi Traditional Council has been alerted, who in turn will communicate it to the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu that the cemetery has been encroached,” he also said.

Nana Yaw Adu stated that the Asantehene, who owns all lands in the Asante Kingdom, will be the only person to judge and declare who to oversee the disputed land.

Ongoing Dispute

The dispute over the ownership of the land is ongoing, with the residents determined to protect the cemetery and the private developer pushing ahead with their plans.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah