Stakeholders from Ghana, Burkina Faso and Togo have convened to devise a collaborative strategy aimed at combatting the persistent issue of cattle-rustling and insecurity that plagues these cross-border regions.
This concerted effort seeks to address the growing concerns surrounding such criminal activities which have disrupted communities and strained relationships among these nations.
Earlier this year, several communities in the Bongo-Soe, Sherigu, Naga and Nabdam areas of the Upper East Region experienced turmoil due to incidents of cattle-rustling. The resultant outcry prompted an expulsion of individuals of Fulbe extraction from these regions as a response to the unrest caused by these criminal activities.
The pivotal stakeholders’ meeting held in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, gathered traditional leaders, security agencies, associations representing cattle farmers and dealers, as well as various farmer groups from the concerned cross-border regions. The day-long forum, themed ‘Challenges of Cross-Border Transhumans’, was organised by the Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers (GNACF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and received sponsorship from the European Union through Promediators based in Burkina Faso.
Participants at the forum highlighted the recent surge in cattle-rustling and insecurity, attributing these issues to violent extremism. Allegations were made that perpetrators of violent extremism are involved in cattle-rustling, utilising proceeds from cattle sales to fund their nefarious activities.
During the event, Mr. Stephen Yakubu, Upper East Regional Minister, expressed concern over the potential adverse impact on bilateral relationships among member-states if proactive measures are not swiftly implemented. He emphasised the urgent need for more effective collaboration among ECOWAS member-states to combat these challenges. Plans are underway by the Regional Security Council to engage political leaders from Burkina Faso and Togo to collectively address these pressing issues in the three border regions.
Moreover, the closure of ECOWAS borders to prevent violent extremism attacks has resulted in a decline of cattle trade and other related commerce among member-countries, worsening the economic situation.
Imam Hanafi Sonde, National Chairman-GNACF, stressed the necessity of establishing effective mechanisms to confront this menace. He urged Municipal and District Assemblies to form committees comprising security agencies, cattle farmers, dealers and farmer groups. These committees are envisioned to devise operational strategies and establish sanctions for violations, making it easier to identify and address issues such as crop destruction by herders and cattle-rustling.
Dr. Kwame Oppong-Anane, Chairman of Ghana’s Cattle Ranching and Transhuman Committee of MOFA, echoed the seriousness of challenges posed by cattle-rustling and insecurity across the cross-border regions. He advocated for a multi-sectoral approach to effectively tackle these prevalent issues.
The collaborative efforts among these nations and stakeholders signify a collective determination to address the complex challenges posed by cattle-rustling and insecurity, aiming to restore peace and stability across the affected regions.
