Tension is escalating in Nkrampo, a farming community in the Ejura Sekyedumase Municipality of the Ashanti Region, as youth members issue a seven-day ultimatum to Fulani herdsmen to vacate the area or face violent eviction.
The agitated youth accuse the local traditional leaders of accepting bribes from Fulani herdsmen, allowing them to settle in the area, which has led to widespread destruction of farmlands.
According to the community members, the presence of the herdsmen poses a severe threat, not only to food crops but also to human lives.
Responding to the accusations, the Nkrampo Traditional Council has strongly denied claims that its leaders accepted bribes from the Fulani herders in exchange for allowing them to stay.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in the municipality, where conflicts between farmers and Fulani herders have become increasingly volatile due to cattle destroying crops and reports of violent confrontations.
Addressing the media, Nana Oduro Boakye I, the Chief of Nkrampo, through his spokesperson, Nana Frimpong, the Akomuhene, dismissed the allegations as baseless.
“We, the traditional leaders, have not accepted any money or bribes from Fulani herdsmen to allow them to settle here or destroy farms,” Nana Frimpong asserted.
Nana Fokuo Pimapim, the Gyaasehene, also reinforced this stance, assuring farmers that the leadership remains committed to their welfare and to maintaining peace in the community.
Despite the reassurances from traditional authorities, some youth in the community remain frustrated over the perceived lack of intervention.
They claim that Fulani herders are responsible for the destruction of cashew farms, cassava plantations, and other crops, exacerbating their economic struggles.
With growing anger, the youth have warned that if municipal and regional security agencies fail to act promptly, they will take matters into their own hands and forcibly remove the herders and their cattle from Nkrampo.
As tensions rise, the youth have further issued a stern warning to traditional authorities, giving them one week to ensure the Fulani herdsmen leave the area.
They have threatened to attack any Fulani individual they encounter, regardless of whether they are accompanied by cattle or not, if their demands are not met.
The Nkrampo Community members particularly women are urging security agencies to step in and mediate the crisis before it spirals out of control.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Isaac Justice Bediako
