Naa Zakari Musah, the Dagomba Chief at Kintampo in the Bono East Region has appealed for cooperation between Dagomba farmers and cattle herders and nomadic Fulani herdsmen in the area.
He asked them to resort to mediation in settling their differences, instead of going lawless, saying that the area required sustained peace for progressive development.
Naa Zakari’s appeal comes in the wake of emerging tensions and conflicts between farmers and cattle herders in the area.
The farmers in the area are upset at the cattle herders and the Fulani nomads who allegedly allowed their animals to graze and destroy farms and crops.
However, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Kintampo, Naa Zakari called on both parties to cooperate and to settle the dispute amicably to sustain the prevailing peace of the area.
He expressed worry that wanton destruction of farms and crops by stray cattle was creating tension between the Dagomba farmers and nomadic Fulani herdsmen and the cattle herders.
Naa Zakari said the situation ought to be tackled head-on for the farmers in the area to increase food productivity.
Nonetheless, he said resolving the problem required mediation and not acts of lawlessness that could threaten peace and stability.
“When a farmer’s yam or maize farm is destroyed, it brings anger, however, if we fight, we all lose because peace is the only way we can develop”, he advised.
He advised the affected farmers and communities to be patient, saying that his palace was working hard to resolve the matter.
Naa Zakari said the palace had set up a committee, comprising some youth and elders of the area to respond to issues concerning cattle grazing.
He called on the Kintampo North Municipal Assembly and the police to intensify patrols, especially during the peak farming seasons of April and July to help control the unscrupulous activities of cattle and the nomadic Fulani herdsmen who allowed their animals to destroy crops.
Nana Zakari said that unity between Dagombas, Mos, and Bonos tribes in the area remained essential, if the implementation of government’s social intervention programmes could be successful.
He also advised the Dagomba youth to resist the temptation of engaging in the ‘get rich quick’ syndrome and stay away from illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’.
“Our lands are fertile and arable, and if we farm in peace, Kintampo North can feed the whole Bono East Region”, Naa Zakari stated.
Source : GNA
