Some cattle owners at Mpaemu No. 2, a community near Akwadum in the Abuakwa North Municipality of the Eastern Region, have threatened legal action against the Municipal Assembly and the Ghana Police Service following what they describe as an unprovoked and barbaric attack on their animals by alleged police personnel from the municipality.
According to the cattle owners, the incident resulted in the instant killing of three cattle, while eleven others remain missing, with several more sustaining varying degrees of injuries.
Speaking in an interview with Rite FM, spokesperson for the cattle owners, Alhaji Mahamadu Nkuarah, expressed shock and disappointment over the incident, insisting that they had done nothing to warrant such actions against their animals.
He explained that the cattle owners have lived peacefully in the community for the past six years without any disputes.
According to him, no resident has ever complained about the cattle destroying farms or properties, stressing that there has never been any misunderstanding between them and the community members.
Alhaji Mahamadu described the alleged actions of the police— which he claims were sanctioned by the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) under the leadership of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Hon Charles Darko — as unfortunate and barbaric. He said the cattle owners are therefore considering legal action against the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly and the Ghana Police Service if justice is not served.
He called for immediate and thorough investigations to establish the motive behind what he termed as cruel acts against the animals and to ensure accountability. He further urged the authorities to act swiftly to avert any possible bloodshed in the area, warning that the situation could escalate if not properly handled.
The cattle owners also appealed to the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and the Office of the Presidency to urgently intervene. In addition, they called on the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Awatey, to step in and ensure an impartial investigation, stressing that her intervention is key to restoring calm and confidence in the area.
Meanwhile, the Mmratehene of Mpaemu No. 2, Tetteh Andrews, corroborated the claims of the cattle owners, confirming that the community has coexisted peacefully with them and their animals for many years without any problems.
He emphasized that the cattle have never destroyed farms nor caused damage to anyone’s property, adding that the community has lived in harmony without complaints. He therefore urged security agencies, the MCE, and other relevant authorities to conduct proper assessments before taking drastic actions that could disturb the peace and stability of the area.
Aside, the Tabital Pulaaku International, a global Fulani advocacy organization, has also added its voice to the matter, condemning the alleged killing of the cattle and calling for justice, accountability, and respect for the livelihoods of pastoralist communities. The group warned that failure to investigate the incident thoroughly could undermine peace and trust between security agencies and livestock owners.
