As part of measures to end the rift between farmers and cattle rustlers, the government of Ghana has began the establishment of cattle ranches in some regions of the country.
Already, the government has commenced the construction of the first cattle ranch at the Afram Plains in the Eastern region of the country. Similar facilities will also be set up in other parts of the country, including the Volta and Ashanti region, the government said.
President Nana Akufo-Addo, who made this known while addressing community heads during his tour of the Volta region, expressed optimism that the introduction of cattle colonies would put an end to persistent clashes between farmers and herdsmen.
“The first ranch has been established at Afram Plains, and we have chosen several sites around the country, where we are going to establish these ranches in order to bring the cattle into safe, secure environment, so that the desecration of the land you are witnessing here will be a thing of the past,” he said.
Clashes between farmers and herdsmen had been a reoccurring issue in the country. Eastern, Ashanti, Volta and Brong Ahafo regions have had to contend with the invasion of farmlands by cattle rustlers, leading to the destruction of farms and loss of lives.
Earlier this year, conflict broke out in the Asante Akyem North District of Ashanti region, following the attack on the people and their farms by suspected herdsmen. It led to the deployment of security personnel to the area to quell the riot.
President Akufo-Addo had in March, this year expressed his administration’s intention to establish cattle ranches to curb the menace.