REGSEC to withdraw security from Agogo

The Regional Security Council (REGSEC) is considering withdrawing security from Agogo and devising long-term plans of securing permanent lands for cattle rearing to solve the long-standing nomadic herdsmen issue.

Lives have been lost, farms have been destroyed and the town has recorded series of citizen unrests due to the invasion of farms by nomadic herdsmen. A police-military force has since been maintaining order there.

But Regional Minister and Chairman of REGSEC, John Alexander Ackon, says the Security Council is considering withdrawing the security force there and focus on getting a secured zone for the rearing of cattle to end the long-standing feud.

He was speaking at a media encounter with journalists in Kumasi.

"At our last Regional security meeting we were thinking of withdrawing the security at this time, but the next meeting will determine what we will finally do," Mr. Ackon said.

He said there are two ideas they are considering if they should meet and get stakeholder, is to get a multisector approach with Ministry of Interior, Land and Natural Resources, Works and Housing as well as the Finance ministries to solving the issue.

According to him, there is the need for government to secure land dedicated for the rearing of the cattle which should be accessible to water.

Mr. Ackon explained that because the chieftaincy institution is in charge of the land they have to be engaged since the chiefs are owners of the land.

The Ministry of Works and Housing should be involved so they provide water sources for the cattle.

"We think if REGSEC should get all those things together, with the Agogo chiefs and the youth, we should be able to get a new land devoid of issues and try to do cages to keep the cattle in," he said.

The Ashanti Regional Minister also condemned what he called the proliferation of election 2016 peace advocacy groups seeking sponsorship from government.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim | Email: [email protected]