Kadjebi: Mr. Mutakilu Tsadenu, the Assemblyman for the Butabe/Obuase Electoral Area, has expressed concern over the increasing presence of stray animals in communities within the Kadjebi District, describing the situation as unacceptable. He has urged relevant authorities to swiftly address the issue, as animals such as goats, sheep, pigs, and cattle are often found roaming freely, causing damage to domestic property and agricultural produce.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Tsadenu's comments were made during the Second Ordinary General Assembly Meeting of the Third Session of the Kadjebi District Assembly held in the Oti Region. He highlighted that the problem of stray animals has become widespread across many communities in the district, necessitating immediate intervention by the Assembly and other concerned authorities. He emphasized the urgency, stating, "The earlier the Assembly authorities act to reverse the trend, the better."
Mr. Boakye Dankwah Budu, Assemblyman for the Asato Electoral Area, contributed to the discussion by noting that traditional authorities in his area have enacted a bylaw to address farm destruction by stray animals. This law permits farmers to kill stray pigs that damage their crops, with the animal owners bearing the cost of the bullets used. He encouraged animal husbandry practitioners to properly confine their animals to prevent them from causing further harm.
Echoing these concerns, Mr. Bright Kwaku Ankamah, Assemblyman for the Pampawie Electoral Area, reported that stray pigs have invaded cocoa farms in his area, leading to crop destruction. He called for proactive measures by authorities to mitigate the issue before it worsens.
In response, Dr. Alhaji Sam Issaka Suraj, the Kadjebi District Chief Executive, urged Assembly Members to collaborate with traditional authorities and Town and Area Councils to arrest stray animals. He pointed out that one of the Town and Area Councils' purposes is to tackle such local challenges, and he requested support from Assembly members and residents to enhance the councils' effectiveness.
Dr. Suraj explained that revenue generated from the arrest and impoundment of stray animals would support council operations, with 50 percent of the proceeds going to the respective councils. He appealed to livestock owners to take greater responsibility by securing their animals to prevent them from roaming and causing damage.
In conclusion, Dr. Suraj emphasized the need for collective efforts by the Assembly, traditional authorities, Town and Area Councils, farmers, and livestock owners to control the situation effectively.