Isaac Agyapong
The District Chief Executive of Kwahu East in the Eastern Region, Isaac Agyapong has hinted of a possible by- law to ban open grazing in the district.
According to the DCE that will be the best solution to the frequent clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in the area saying that the assembly will by January next year pass the law to address the situation.
Economic activities particularly farming were badly affected in parts of Kwahu East as the people lived in constant fear of attacks from gun- bearing herdsmen who invaded communities, killed and destroyed property worth billions of cedis.
Efforts to find a permanent solution to the herders-farmers crisis are not yielding the desired results.
The activities of the nomads had largely been concentrated in the Asante Akim areas but seem to have drifted to Kwahu lands along the Afram Plains areas.
The by-law is anticipating permits for grazing of livestock only within ranches and prohibits the movement of animals from one destination to another.
It will also spell out punishment for offenders ranging from imprisonment to payment of fines on conviction by a law court.
Meanwhile the Eastern Regional Security Council is considering a revival of ‘Operation Cow Leg’ to address conflicts between mostly local farmers and nomadic Fulani herdsmen.
As part of the operation, Police and Military will be deployed to patrol the Kwahu enclave to avert clashes. This approach to fighting the menace in the era of then President Kufuor, has been criticized as not being effective.
The Regional Minister, Eric Kwakye Darfour speaking at a press conference to address the recent clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers at Dwebease and Hweehwee which led to the death of 5 Fulanis and 3 locals last month, stated that a number of action plans had been adopted by REGSEC for consideration.
The Minister expressed concern about the recent happenings in the Kwahu East District, saying, “I must say we are not happy at all with these reprisal attacks which have led to the loss of lives. Every individual in this country matters, and as such, we will ensure that the right things are done.”
“On the whole, the killings in Kwahu East were unfortunate, but the security will work around the clock to stem the situation in the area,” he underscored.
FROM Daniel Bampoe, Abetifi