The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), conflicts between farmers and herdsmen are usually the result of a lack of effective conflict resolution methods.
MOFA announced this at the presentation and inauguration of the Ghana Cattle Ranching and Transhumance Committee in Accra.
The Committee’s goal is to assist the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Security to create favourable conditions for peaceful transhumance activities in Ghana.
MOFA’s Director of Animal Production, Edwin Bekoe, speaking on behalf of Deputy Sector Minister, Alhaji Hardi Tufeiru, praised livestock farmers for their substantial contributions to the country’s socioeconomic development.
Mr. Bekoe emphasised the Transhumance Committee’s responsibility as “the advisory and guidance body for transhumance activities in Ghana, as well as assisting MOFA and National Security in creating the conditions required for peaceful transhumance activities to reap the essential outcomes.”
“The economic importance of transhumance practice and trade cannot be overlooked in the socio-economic development in the sub-region though it has had some negative impacts in the country in different ways,” Mr Bekoe added.
Imam Hanafi Sonde, head of the Ghana National Organization of Cattle Producers, expects the Committee to arbitrate in order to resolve the numerous examples of disputes between farmers and herders.
“There is frequently a blame game between crop farmers and herdsmen, and we hope the Committee will investigate any problems that may emerge between herders and farmers since unresolved conflicts create additional misunderstanding.” We hope that the government will provide us with the necessary assistance so that we may continue to play our role and meet the country’s protein demands.”
