The Eastern Regional Security Council is considering a revival of ‘Operation Cow Leg’ to address conflicts between mostly local farmers and nomadic Fulani herdsmen.
As part of the operation, Police and Military will be deployed to patrol the Kwahu enclave to avert clashes.
This approach to fighting the menace in the era of then President Kufuor, has been criticized as not being effective.
But speaking at a press conference to address the recent clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers at Dwebease and Hweehwee which led to the death of 5 Fulani’s and 3 locals, the Eastern Regional Minister, Eric Kwakye Darfour, stated that a number of action plans have been adopted by REGSEC for consideration.
The Minister, who is automatically the Head of the Eastern Regional Security Council, expressed concern about the recent happenings in the Kwahu East District, saying, “I must say we are not happy at all with these reprisal attacks which has led to the loss of lives. Every individual in this country’s matters, and as such we will ensure that the right things are done.”
“On the whole, the killings in Kwahu East were unfortunate, but the security will work around the clock to stem the situation in the area.”
The resolutions reached at the REGSEC meeting are as follows:
1. Hold a press briefing to inform all about the current state of affairs in Kwahu East, and also allay the fears of the inhabitants in the area that the security in the region is handling the issue to ensure their safety.
2. Members of the REGSEC will also visit the affected areas in Kwahu East on Monday 6th November, 2017. As part of the visit, another meeting with the Fulani leadership in Kwahu, Chiefs, Farmers and other stakeholders will be held to further discuss the issue.
3. A proposal for addressing the Fulani menace submitted to REGSEC by the Kwahu Hene will be looked into.
4. Operation Cow leg to the Rescue – Council is of the opinion that if funds could be made available for the Operation CowLeg just as it’s being done for Operation Vanguard, a lot could be achieved. REGSEC will propose it to National security for consideration.
5. REGSEC considering the need to revive the the fodder bank system and possibly propose to government to create a fodder bank around the Dwerebease enclave.
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By: Neil Nii Amatey Kanarku/citifmonline.com/Ghana