2nd October 2024.
On this day, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) met with officers from the Ghana National Armed Forces Junior Staff Course 82 as their part of study tour to discuss several key topics concerning the Asante Akim North Municipal. The discussion covered the following areas:
- Municipal Profile: The MCE provided an overview of the municipality, including its geographical location, population size, and administrative structure. He highlighted the rich traditions, culture, and religious practices of the local people.
- Land Management: The MCE emphasized the importance of effective land management to support both agricultural and infrastructural development.
- Local Economy: He discussed the local economy, particularly the challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector.
- Security: The key security issue raised was the long-standing conflict between farmers and nomadic herders, which has severely impacted agricultural productivity in the area.
Security Challenges: The Farmer-Herder Conflict in Asante Akim North Municipal
For many years, the Asante Akim North Municipal has been grappling with the issue of nomadic herdsmen and their cattle, who frequently cause destruction to farms and properties, hindering agricultural development and threatening local security.
Key Aspects of the Conflict:
- The conflict typically arises when the herds, often under the care of nomadic herdsmen, damage farms. These herds are primarily owned by Ghanaians from Agogo and other parts of the Ashanti Region.
- During the dry season, some migrant herdsmen pass through the area, seeking greener pastures for their cattle. Due to the large size of their herds, they are often unable to control the animals, leading to farm destruction and, subsequently, conflicts between farmers and herdsmen.
- While clashes between farmers and herdsmen have been a recurring issue, the situation escalated significantly in 2018. The Farmer-Herder conflict has posed a severe challenge to the municipality since its emergence.
Efforts to Address the Conflict:
In 2018, the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) launched Operation Cowleg, a military initiative aimed at expelling herdsmen and their cattle from the municipality. Currently, the Municipal Police, supported by fuel from the Assembly, conduct regular patrols to maintain law and order, resulting in a relatively calm environment in the municipality.
Major Causes of the Conflict:
- Destruction of farms by cattle.
- Long-standing disagreements between farmers and herders.
- Contamination of water bodies, overgrazing, and indiscriminate defecation by cattle.
- Loss of property, casualties, and even deaths resulting from the conflict.
Actions Taken:
- Military Intervention: Operation Cowleg was initiated to remove herdsmen and their cattle from the municipality.
- Routine Police Patrols: Regular patrols help ensure the maintenance of law and order.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Various stakeholders have been engaged in dialogue to find long-term solutions to the conflict.
- Prosecution: Legal measures have been taken to hold those responsible for violence or destruction accountable.
- Proposed Establishment of a Forward Base at Ananekrom: This base is intended to strengthen security in the area.
Conclusion:
The Farmer-Herder conflict is a serious issue that should be addressed as a national threat to ensure peace and security. It is essential that all stakeholders work together to resolve long-standing disagreements, which often serve as the root cause of the conflict.
