The National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has announced that a future NDC government will focus on leveraging opportunities in the livestock industry to address the ongoing conflicts between crop farmers and herdsmen in Ghana.
Nketia emphasized the need for a comprehensive stakeholder dialogue to streamline the activities of cattle herders and foster peaceful coexistence between them and local farmers.
The longstanding feud between farmers and herdsmen over the destruction of crops by cattle has led to fatalities in various farming communities.
Despite the establishment of the Operation Cow Leg Taskforce in 2018 by the government to address farmer-herder clashes, the conflicts persist, prompting Nketia to highlight the importance of proper regulation in the livestock sector to contribute to economic growth.
While speaking at the annual conference of the Fulani Community in Ghana in Kumasi, Nketia stated, “The only way we can ensure a peaceful coexistence between cattle herders and farmers is to streamline their activities for economic benefits. Cattle rearing is a good thing.”
He further stressed the significance of avoiding conflicts between individuals engaged in different economic activities.
Mr Nketia highlighted the existence of a dedicated department for livestock at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, emphasizing the positive contributions of cattle rearing to the economy.
The General Secretary for the Fulani Community in Ghana, Alhaji Yakubu Musah Barry, echoed the sentiments, calling for an end to discrimination and attacks against Fulani community members.
Mr Barry urged media participation in educating the public about Fulani culture and identity to dispel stereotypes and promote unity in the country.