Ketu north: The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ketu North, Reverend Martin Amenaki, has highlighted the activities of Fulani herdsmen and their cattle as the most pressing challenge facing the municipality. During the Member of Parliament’s (MP) Third Quarter Accountability Series at Penyi, Rev Amenaki emphasized the Assembly’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the ongoing issues, which have resulted in the destruction of farmlands and heightened tensions between herdsmen and local farmers.

According to Ghana News Agency, Rev Amenaki’s office recently received a petition from the chiefs and residents of Dzodze-Togodo, calling for a total ban on cattle rearing due to the increasing crop destruction. In response, the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) held an emergency meeting and identified three categories of cattle within the municipality: those in transit from Togo, Niger, and Burkina Faso; those owned by Ketu North indigenes; and those belonging to herdsmen from neighboring districts who stray into Ketu North.

Rev Amenaki mentioned that a designated area at Gbornoe in Dzodze has been proposed for transit herds, although some security issues remain unresolved. Letters have been sent to neighboring districts urging them to prevent their herdsmen from crossing into Ketu North. Task forces have been established across all zones to enforce these measures, and local cattle owners will soon receive official reminders to ensure their animals do not damage farmlands or other properties.

He revealed an incident earlier that day where a farmer was attacked with a cutlass by a herdsman after his cattle destroyed the farmer’s crops. Rev Amenaki directed the police not to grant bail until all accomplices are apprehended, emphasizing that while a complete ban on cattle rearing is not feasible, the municipality cannot allow cattle to cause harm to lives and property.

Torgbui Dadzi V, Paramount Chief of the Penyi Traditional Area, also voiced concern over the longstanding herdsmen issue, describing it as a persistent problem. He acknowledged the Assembly’s renewed efforts to address the issue and expressed the support of the chiefs for the initiative, noting that previous attempts to resolve the problem have been unsuccessful. Torgbui Dadzi V stressed the importance of addressing the matter decisively.