The Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers (GNACAF) has organized a forum for its members in the Upper East Region to dialogue on how to promote peace and harmony between the cattle farmers and their colleague crop farmers in the country.
The forum which brought all cattle farmers together from all district of the Upper East region also paved way for them to discuss modern ways to improve from their old system of rearing cattle.
Speaking to the Cattle farmers and other stakeholders present at the forum, the National President for GNACAF, Imam Hanafi Sonde said though misunderstanding is essential in human existence,it can be detrimental if not controlled. He believes that there is the need to curve out a forum that will monitor and diminish the misunderstanding that leads to conflict.
“We the cattle farmers of Ghana are conscious of our noble tradition and occupation desire to promote peace and harmony between the cattle farmers and the crop farmers in the country,” he said
He stated that GNACAF is seriously concerned about the general welfare of all cattle farmers in Ghana irrespective of tribe, race or religion because the cattle sector is a very important sector as far as livestock is concerned.
Imam Sonde underscored the need for the nation to place priority on the cattle sector and invest in it to make it a very viable sector which can employ many and also bring an end to the conflicts that exists between herdsmen.
On his part, Abukari Yakubu, who is a Livestock Officer of Ministry of food and agriculture in the Upper East region expressed excitement at the move made by the leadership of GNACAF especially by forming an association to bring cattle farmers together across the country.
According to Mr. Yakubu, in recent times, there has been tension and conflict in the country between cattle farmers and peasant farmers which mostly leads in loss of human lives and destruction of human settlements.
He described the association of cattle farmers as a welcome development to the Department of Agriculture in the Upper East Region and the country.
“I want to believe GNACAF exist to ensure mutual co-existence between peasant farmers and cattle farmers in communities where they operate,” he said.
However, Mr. Yakubu suggested that, to encourage the development of grazing lands in various communities for livestock production, GNACAF must lobby traditional rulers and various Assemblies to have demarcated reserves and corridors for the cattle farmers in the region.
source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen/a1radioonline.com/Ghana
