By Agbaxode Emmanuel
Akatsi (VR), May 22, GNA – 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.
According to him, the situation was creating fear and tension among residents, particularly farmers and cattle owners within the affected communities.
Mr Gbede, in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, alleged that three Fulani herdsmen on May 16, attacked and tied up a cowboy working for Mr Yohokpor Miheso of Have-Fiakpokorpe before attempting to steal a herd of cattle.
He explained that through the intervention of some community members, most of the cattle were rescued, although one animal was allegedly stolen.
Mr Gbede further claimed that the same suspects returned on Sunday, May 17, at about 2300 hours in another attempt to raid the cattle kraal and steal the remaining animals.
“The dangerous and lawless conduct has heightened fear and tension within the area and further exposed the growing insecurity confronting residents,” the statement said.
Mr Gbede also alleged that several farmers in the area continued to suffer destruction of their farms by roaming cattle without compensation.
He cautioned individuals and some chiefs against allegedly accepting money to allow herdsmen to settle in communities without proper regulation and security considerations.
Mr Gbede also called on 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 operating within the municipality.
He warned that failure by authorities to act decisively could compel residents to adopt lawful community protection measures to safeguard their farms, cattle, lands, and properties.
Mr Gbede announced that an emergency meeting had been scheduled for Sunday, May 24, at Sremanu to discuss security concerns and lawful strategies to protect lives and property with all cattle owners within the electoral area.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah /Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Agbaxode Emmanuel