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Catholic Church engages Fulbe community

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As part of its efforts to raise awareness of Laudato Si, an encyclical written by Pope Francis addressing “the care for our common home – the planet Earth,” the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation committee, under the auspices of the Congregation of the Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), and the VIVAT Ghana Group (a Catholic advocacy group), organized an interactive session with members of the Fulbe community from various communities in the Kwahu Afram Plains.

Historians suggest that members of the Fulbe community originally come from Northern Africa but over time migrated to the western part of Africa, settling in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Ghana.

The session aimed to address issues related to environmental degradation, particularly bushfires, the impact of grazing animals (cows, sheep, and goats) on farms, and the felling of trees. About 150 members of the Fulbe community from both the southern and northern parts of the Afram Plains attended the event.

Mr. Bannerman, a cattle ranch manager from Adeambra, explained how cattle farmers can adapt to the new method of cattle ranching introduced by the government a few years ago. He emphasized that this approach could alleviate tensions and conflicts that often arise between farmers and herders. Mr. Bannerman also noted that cattle ranching has the potential to significantly reduce bushfires that harm crops and forests. He concluded by offering to assist any community willing to learn this farming method.

The chief of the Fulbe community, Sadique Iddrisa Sambo (aka Akokora), on behalf of his community, thanked Mr. Bannerman and promised to encourage his people to adopt the new techniques of animal husbandry.

He urged the government, particularly the Ghana Police Service, to be considerate in their treatment of members of the Fulbe community. Members of the Fulbe community youth and some elders reiterated similar concerns, citing speculations about recent conflicts that have resulted in fatalities among both members of the Fulbe community and Ghanaians. Many expressed that they were born in Ghana and found the treatment they receive to be dehumanizing. As one member of the Fulbe community youth passionately stated, “We were born here, we are Ghanaians, we have nowhere to go, and therefore we should be treated as fellow Ghanaians.”

The police commander of Tease, Superintendent David Azumah, responded by expressing regret that such issues continue to arise. While acknowledging that some grievances are genuine, he urged the community to abide by the law, noting that many take matters into their own hands before alerting the police. He reassured them that the Ghana Police Service does not take sides; they follow the law to prosecute anyone at fault.

The District Chief Executive of South (Tease), Hon. Evans Kyei Ntiri, also addressed the situation. He commended the Catholic Church for facilitating such an important forum and expressed his disappointment at hearing the grievances of members of the Fulbe community. He mentioned that he has been visiting them to assist with land issues and has supported them in farming-related matters. While he acknowledged that some members of the Fulbe community may engage in lawless behavior, he promised to work towards resolving their concerns and urged them to be law-abiding citizens in their communities.

Very Rev. Fr. Bernard Appiah-Adjei, SVD, Cathedral Administrator of the Vicariate of Donkorkrom, who represented the Bishop, Most Rev. John Alphorns Asiedu, SVD, conveyed greetings from the Bishop. He praised the Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS) and the Society of the Divine Word for their ongoing efforts to educate and raise awareness about the environmental issues we face. He encouraged other stakeholders to join the mission to safeguard our common home—Planet Earth.

Fr. Bernard, who is also the Afram Plains SVD District JPIC Coordinator, emphasized the importance of treating every person with respect and dignity, regardless of their nationality. He pointed out that while many Ghanaians blame members of the Fulbe community for lawlessness, some do not treat them as fellow human beings deserving of love. He highlighted instances where unlawful acts committed by some Ghanaians are wrongly attributed to members of the Fulbe community.

In attendance were Rev. Sr. Vilma Espinosa, SSpS (Coordinator for JPIC/VIVAT Ghana), Rev. Fr. Nicholas Aazine, SVD (Coordinator for JPIC/VIVAT Ghana), local chiefs and elders from the Tease Traditional Area, the President of the Local Council of Churches in Tease, Rev. Matthew Akakpo (who represented the Parish Priest of Tease, Rev. Fr. Anthony Teye Binyemi), and the Imam of Tease.

Sincere thanks are extended to Rev. Bro. Charles Eshun, SVD (SVD Ghana Provincial Counselor in charge of JPIC/VIVAT), Most Rev. Bishop Alphorns Asiedu for his support and encouragement, Sr. Mercy Benson, SSpS (SSpS Ghana Provincial Leader), Very Rev. Fr. Cyprian Kuupol, SVD (SVD Ghana Provincial Superior), and the Parish Priest of Tease for their encouragement and support.

JPIC/VIVAT Ghana intends to follow up on the discussions from this event with activities aimed at encouraging cattle farmers to adopt cattle ranching in the Afram Plains area. We welcome collaboration with organizations that share our mission and goals.

Source: Fr. Nicholas Aazine, SVD
and
Sr. Vilma Espinosa, SSpS
JPIC/VIVAT Coordinators – Ghana
(SVD-SSpS Collaborative Ministry)
Email: nicholasbetol@gmail.com

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