Akatsi south: Mr Japhet Festus Gbede, the Assembly Member for Wuxor Have and Sremanu Electoral Area in the Akatsi South Municipality of the Volta Region, has expressed concern over rising insecurity and alleged criminal activities linked to some herdsmen in the area. He highlighted the fear and tension spreading among residents, particularly farmers and cattle owners in the affected communities.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Gbede alleged that on May 16, three Fulani herdsmen attacked and tied up a cowboy working for Mr Yohokpor Miheso of Have-Fiakpokorpe, attempting to steal a herd of cattle. The intervention of community members led to the rescue of most of the cattle, although one animal was reportedly stolen. Further allegations suggest that the same suspects returned on May 17 at around 2300 hours, attempting another raid on the cattle kraal.
Mr Gbede emphasized that these incidents have heightened fear and tension within the area, exposing the growing insecurity faced by residents. He also claimed that several farmers suffer continued destruction of their farms by roaming cattle without receiving any compensation. Additionally, he cautioned individuals and some chiefs against allegedly accepting money to allow herdsmen to settle in communities without proper regulation and security measures.
He urged the Ghana Police Service, National Security, the Municipal Security Council, the Ghana Immigration Service, and traditional authorities to intervene and regulate the activities of Fulani herdsmen within the municipality. Mr Gbede warned that if authorities fail to act decisively, residents might be compelled to adopt lawful community protection measures to safeguard their farms, cattle, lands, and properties.
An emergency meeting has been scheduled for May 24 at Sremanu to discuss security concerns and lawful strategies to protect lives and property with all cattle owners within the electoral area.