Residents of Asubuasu have staged a protest against the persistent destruction of their farmlands by nomadic herdsmen, expressing their frustrations through a demonstration.
Clad in red headbands and armbands, the aggrieved farmers wielded placards as they marched through the community, demanding urgent intervention.
Asubuasu, a major food-producing hub in Sekyere Central District of the Ashanti Region is known for cultivating key crops such as cassava and plantains. However, residents say their livelihoods are under threat due to the activities of herdsmen who allegedly unleash their cattle onto farmlands, causing destruction.
“The nomadic herdsmen have laid siege on our farms and community. When they meet you, they will signal their animals to attack you. Until they realize you are nearing your death, then they will signal them to stop,” an aggrieved resident claimed.
Another protester recalled a recent encounter that left them injured.
“Yesterday, I went to the farm to get some firewood to cook, but the herders attacked me. My foot was injured by a nail,” they recounted.
The impact of the situation extends beyond farmers, as school children are reportedly too afraid to attend classes.
“The kids are scared to go to school. We have to load the students in a motorcycle to convey them to school,” a protester said.
Additionally, the only stream serving the community for domestic purposes has been heavily polluted, situation residents partly attribute to the presence of the herders’ cattle.
“This alum is what we use to purify the dirty water for use. My kids don’t know how to go to the farms. They’re scared,” another resident stated.
Tensions escalated after three community members were reportedly arrested following an incident where they killed some of the herders’ animals that had encroached on their farmlands. The protesters are demanding the release of their colleagues and immediate action to end the herdsmen’s presence in the area.
“On Saturday, we heard the news the three have been arrested by the Police. The local authorities are aware of what’s happening here. How do you arrest these innocent ones?” questioned George Dapaah, leader of the aggrieved farmers.
Residents are calling on authorities to intervene before the situation spirals further out of control.
