The era of nomadic cattle rearing is long gone and it is time the country adopted scientific and innovative methods as done elsewhere in the developed world as a solution to Fulani menace in Ghana, the Adontenhene of Kwahu Traditional Area Nana Asiedu Agyeman III has suggested.
Using countries like Brazil and Argentina as examples, Nana Asiedu Agyeman III said “This issue of nomadic cattle rearing has been with us for very long time and successive governments tried to do something but there is evidence that they did not work. So I think it is time our leaders thought of better examples.”
There are reports that over 100 people have been displaced in Kwahu East District of the Eastern Region following separate attacks involving Fulani herdsmen and some community members at Dwibease and Wheewhee.
So far, five Fulanis and three locals have been reported dead according to the Eastern Regional Police Public Relations Officer ASP Ebenezer Tetteh, but residents have been assured that their safety would be protected.
But Nana Asiedu Agyeman III who was the acting President of Kwahu Traditional area, it is time government took strong position on the issue of Fulani menace.
He suggested, there must be designated places around the country where the nomads can send their animals during the drought season, adding that if that is done, the nomads will know where to turn next, should the need arises.
“If the issue is about green grass for the animals to graze in the Kwahu area, then why can’t the government demarcate a place here, deploy the military with helicopters to ensure that any animal found outside the zone is “killed and I think this will work” he told the host of Onua FM morning show Bright Kwesi Asempa.
Nana Asiedu Agyeman III has also revealed that commercial activities in the Kwahu East are on standstill as both farmers and traders are afraid to go about their daily activities, adding that the police who have been detailed to protect lives and properties, are only patrolling the highways instead of going to the areas including the bush where the nomads are dwelling.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Regional Minister, Eric Kwakye Darfour has decried the reprisals and confrontations, saying those cannot be the solution to the problem but dialogue. He called on farmers whose farms have been attacked by the nomads to report to the nearest police station.
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