Fulani Herdsmen Menace In Ghana Will Be Arrested And Dealt With - President Akufo Addo
Activities of Fulani herdsmen which has often resulted in the
killing of Ghanaians in several parts of the country will be arrested
and dealt with decisively, President Akufo Addo has stated.
Addressing the National Council of Fulani Chiefs at the Flag Staff
House, (a body that was recently constituted by the Fulani Community in
Ghana,) when they paid a courtesy call on him, President Akufo
Addo said the herdsmen and their work, which has often led to the
outbreak of fighting between them and indigenous Ghanaian crop farmers,
is of great concern to his administration. To that end, President Akufo
Addo welcomed the request for cooperation between the Council of Fulani
Chiefs and the National Security apparatus to resolve the menace.
Existing Committee
The President indicated there is an existing committee working under the Ministry of Agriculture which has the president of the Association of Herdsmen on it. He announced that he would like to have two representatives of the Council of Fulani Chiefs on the committee so they can all work together to find a lasting solution to the challenge.
Business Potential of Cattle Ranching
President Akufo Addo emphasized that there is a very strong business potential in the cattle ranching industry. He insisted that with good organization and cooperation, revenue will be realised by all interested parties.
Task Force
In his speech, the acting president of the Fulani Council of Chiefs, Iddriss Mohammed Bingle, indicated that as part of their efforts to halt the Fulani herdsmen's clashes with crop farmers in the country, they are proposing the formation of task forces that will liaise with the security agencies of all the regions where there are herdsmen to enforce the law without fear or favour. They called on the President to direct the heads of the security institutions to cooperate with the task force. President Akufo Addo welcomed the suggestion and assured the Chiefs that all will be done to get the proposed task force in place.
Discrimination Against Fulanis
According to the acting president of the Fulani Chiefs,"there are cattle herders in Ashanti, Eastern, Volta, Brong Ahafo and Greater Accra Regions who are Ashantis, Akyems or Kwahus, Ewes, Bono Ahafos and Gas but when they commit criminal offences, the media reports refer to them as 'Fulanis'!”
He added that crime should be treated as crime and not be associated with any ethnic group. Thus, these media reportage have brought a wave of discrimination upon Fulanis. "We are discriminated even in the areas of access to health, in schools, at our work places and when acquiring a national identity card even though some of these Fulanis are third-generation Ghanaians". Alhaji Mohammed Bingle therefore requested the media to treat Fulanis fairly.
The President indicated there is an existing committee working under the Ministry of Agriculture which has the president of the Association of Herdsmen on it. He announced that he would like to have two representatives of the Council of Fulani Chiefs on the committee so they can all work together to find a lasting solution to the challenge.
Business Potential of Cattle Ranching
President Akufo Addo emphasized that there is a very strong business potential in the cattle ranching industry. He insisted that with good organization and cooperation, revenue will be realised by all interested parties.
Task Force
In his speech, the acting president of the Fulani Council of Chiefs, Iddriss Mohammed Bingle, indicated that as part of their efforts to halt the Fulani herdsmen's clashes with crop farmers in the country, they are proposing the formation of task forces that will liaise with the security agencies of all the regions where there are herdsmen to enforce the law without fear or favour. They called on the President to direct the heads of the security institutions to cooperate with the task force. President Akufo Addo welcomed the suggestion and assured the Chiefs that all will be done to get the proposed task force in place.
Discrimination Against Fulanis
According to the acting president of the Fulani Chiefs,"there are cattle herders in Ashanti, Eastern, Volta, Brong Ahafo and Greater Accra Regions who are Ashantis, Akyems or Kwahus, Ewes, Bono Ahafos and Gas but when they commit criminal offences, the media reports refer to them as 'Fulanis'!”
He added that crime should be treated as crime and not be associated with any ethnic group. Thus, these media reportage have brought a wave of discrimination upon Fulanis. "We are discriminated even in the areas of access to health, in schools, at our work places and when acquiring a national identity card even though some of these Fulanis are third-generation Ghanaians". Alhaji Mohammed Bingle therefore requested the media to treat Fulanis fairly.
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