Committee set up to solve impasse in Afram Plains

Accra, Oct. 29, GNA- A Committee has been set up by the Eastern Regional Security Council to come out with recommendations in solving the disagreement over the ownership of the entire Afram Plains. The current disturbances between the Fulani herdsmen and the people of Adelakope along the Volta Lake, stems out of disagreement over the ownership of the entire Afram Plains between the Battor, Mepe and the Kwahu Traditional Area.

Major Courage Quashigah, (Rtd) Minister of Food and Agriculture said this when Mr Joe Gidisu, NDC-North Tongu asked what was being done to effectively resolve the menace posed by Fulani herdsmen to local farmers and the fishermen especially along the Volta Lake. The Minister said a meeting has already been held and it was decided that the District Chief Executives of Afram Plains and North Tongu be given two weeks to meet and come out with recommendations in solving the problem.

Maj. Quashigah said it is expected that an agreement will be signed by the Kwahus and the Tongus to make all parties comply with the provisions in the agreement so as to lessen and if not completely eliminate disagreements and complaints between the Kwahus and the Tongus.

Mr Gidisu asked how far the Volta River Authority (VRA) is involved in settling the issue since most of the settlers around the lake are involved and the Minister said the meetings involves are interested parties in the area.

The Member in a supplementary question asked whether it was not necessary for a national stand to be taken on the issue instead of localising it and the Minister said the Ministry thinks the Regional Minister and the Regional Security Council (Regsec) were capable of handling the situation but in case there are difficulties there would be further consultations.