Residents of Ofuman, a farming community near Wenchi in the Bono Region, are up in arms over the destruction of their farms by herds of cattle allegedly belonging to Fulani herdsmen.
On January 24, 2025, hundreds of frustrated residents stormed the Ofuman Police Station to seek intervention after failed attempts to protect their livelihoods.
According to Mr. Maxwell Osei, the Assemblyman of the area, the cattle estimated to number in the thousands appeared suddenly from an unknown location and began trampling on and consuming farm crops.
“We have made several efforts to drive the herds away, but it has proven futile. No one is responding to our pleas, which is why we are here with the police,” Mr. Osei said during an interview on Tain FM’s morning show.
One resident, who spoke anonymously, alleged that the Fulani herdsmen use strange languages to command the cattle to attack anyone who dares to confront them. Others accused the herdsmen of threatening violence or murder when challenged.
While some residents noted that local Fulani herdsmen in the area tend to be law-abiding, they expressed concerns about others, described as coming “from nowhere,” who disregard local customs and laws.
The police have since taken up the matter, assuring residents that efforts are being made to bring calm to the area and resolve the conflict amicably.
Meanwhile, community members continue to appeal to authorities for swift and decisive action to prevent further destruction of their livelihoods.