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A no-go area for nomadic herders has been declared in Ejura and its surroundings by Barima Osei Hwedie II, the chief of the Ejura Traditional Area.
The chief stated that the decision was made to safeguard the thousands of farmers who lose their crops to the merciless actions of these herders at the same time as well as to save Ejura from losing its status as the food basket of the whole Ashanti Region.
The chief has forbidden nomadic herders from bringing their herds to graze in their territories because of his deep worries about the destructive tendencies of these herdsmen in Ejura villages.
This development came about as a result of an emergency meeting that took place on December 1, 2022, between the Ejura Traditional Council, the Ashanti North Regional Police Commander, the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipal Security Council, Assembly members, the council of Zongo Chiefs, and the leadership of Normadic herdsmen.
The Fulani herdsmen who are already residing in the settlements have also been ordered by the traditional authorities to remove their flocks from certain territories with immediate effect.
Armed Robbery Attacks
The Asante Mampong Divisional Police Commander ACP David Kwaku Amoako disclosed at the meeting that, over 95 percent of armed robbery activities are committed by normadic herdsmen.
He noted that, their investigations about some five robbery cases which lead the the death five persons lead to the arrest of some normadic herdsmen who are in their custody assisting investigations.
He has therefore called on the public to volunteer any information about these herdsmen engaging in robbery activities in the area.
Ejurahene Warns Subchiefs
Barimah Osei Hwedie II at the meeting warned that anyone including chiefs found to be entertaining or allowing these herdsmen to live in their areas will be dealt with severely.
” I am once again sounding a serious caution to all who will be collecting money or goodies from the herdsmen with a view to allocating lands for them for grazing purposes would be arrested and made to face legal actions”.
“Some of my community members who are mainly farmers have lay bare their grievances including armed robbery, raping of the communities’ women, destruction of their farmlands amongst others being orchestrated by the herdsmen and i will not allow this to continue as long as i am your king”.He cautioned.
Regional Police Commander’s Assurance.
DCOP Ofosu Ackaah, the recently appointed Ashanti North Regional Police Commander, vowed to do all in his power to eradicate the threat posed by nomadic herders in the region.
He stated that since the Ashanti area was split into three powerful regions, including the Ashanti South, Ashanti Central, and the Ashanti North Regional Police Command, which he leads, the police force has been reinforced.
However, DCOP Ackaah issued a warning that anyone caught engaging in illegal activity will be detained and brought before the court.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com/Kwame Agyenim Boateng
