Fulani herdsmen destroy farmlands in Bechem: Farmers appeal for help

Farmers in Bechem, a community in the Tano South Municipality of the Ahafo region, are seeking urgent intervention from local authorities to address the persistent problem of Fulani herdsmen destroying their farmlands and crops.

In a letter signed by the executives of Concerned Farmers Association of Bechem (CFAB) copied to the Municipal Chief Executive, traditional leaders, media outlets, and other stakeholders, they expressed concern about the unproductive state of their farms due to cattle grazing on their lands.

Speaking with Opemsuo News Reporter, Johnson Aduomi, the Vice-Chairman of CFAB, Mr. Alex Tempoah, explained that some Fulani herdsmen have been grazing their cattle on the farmlands at night, sleeping in nearby bushes, and continuing their activities the following day. This situation has been ongoing for the past three years, despite several complaints to the police, with little to no action taken.

“It is worrisome. Fertilisers are expensive but crops are easily destroyed by these herdsmen. They started 3 years ago and we have reported many times,” he added.

While the farmers acknowledge that not all Fulani herdsmen are causing problems, they have called for the exit of one Ahmed and his allies, who they claim are responsible for most of the destruction.

They also stressed that they cannot fight the herdsmen or their cattle, and have no choice but to seek assistance from the authorities to ensure their farmlands are protected.

One farmer, Abdullai Wahab told Opemsuo reporter, “Some residents have given their cattle to Ahmed and he lies comfortably in his home and employs children to do the work. Ahmed has no cattle. Someone brought him into this town for this business,” he lamented.

The farmers have expressed a desire to coexist peacefully with the Fulani herdsmen, and have requested that the herdsmen operate within the confines of the law.