The District Chief Executive (DCE) of Ho West, Hon. Ernest Victor Apau has called on stakeholders and communities in the Abutia enclaves to help protect the Kalakpa Forest Reserve and to curb the menace of destruction of farm lands and produce by Cattle Herdsmen.
He made this statement when he met the Chiefs, Land Owners, Herdsmen, Farmers, Assembly Members, Security Agencies, Personnel of the Wildlife Division of the Kalakpa Forest Reserve and Community members on Thursday 19th January, 2023 at Abutia Kpota E. P Church. The objective of the meeting was to discuss issues regarding the destruction of the Kalakpa Forest Reserve and cattle ranching activities at Abutia enclave, and, to find lasting solutions to the menace.
The DCE indicated that the illegal logging of trees, charcoal production, farming, hunting, and invasion of cattle rearers in the forest by the communities living in and around the Kalakpa Forest Reserve are destroying the beauty and causing environmental degradation to the Forest. He noted that anybody caught doing illegal activities in the forest reserve will face the rigors of the law.
On cattle ranching activities, the DCE disclosed that the Assembly is working with the Chiefs and Land Owners for the Cattle Ranchers to have designated grazing reserves to avoid any form of conflict.
He further stated that the illegal use of sophisticated weapons by the Herdsmen to threaten Farmers on their farms will not be tolerated. He said the balance of crops and Livestock production is very vital to agricultural sustainability and therefore called on the Herdsmen to develop strategies that will prevent the destruction of farms. He also touched on bushfire, formation of watch dog Committees in the various communities, telecommunications Mast to boost communication in the enclaves, resettlement of the communities within the forest reserve and acquiring the proper documents for mineral extraction like sand winning and quarry.
The Paramount Chief of Abutia, Togbega Abutia Kodzo Gidi said the Kalakpa Forest Reserve belongs to the government, hence any activity inside the Reserve is regulated to protect it. He disclosed his full support to the Wildlife Division in the enforcement of the law to ensure the forest reserve is protected. He urged the Division not to use human face but rather be strict in tackling the activities in the reserve.
Togbega Abutia Gidi advised communities in the reserve to adhere to the rules and regulations of the Wildlife Division to avoid any friction between them. He also advised the cattle ranchers to have a kraal for their cattles.
The Park Manager for Kalakpa Forest Reserve, Mr. Daniel Amankwah revealed that the reserve has come under heavy attacks from illegal activities such as lumbing, hunting, cattle rearing among others. He noted that some of his staff have been attacked and others have lost their lives in the execution of their duties. He indicated that they will continue to engage relevant stakeholders in the protection of the reserve.
According to Mr. Amankwah, the Reserve provides numerous economic benefits which include but not limited to tourism and revenue for the development of the entire nation. It is for these and other reasons why the Division exist to undertake activities which include law enforcement and conservation education to enable people know the need for it’s protection. He also appealed to farmers destroying the reserve as well as individuals hosting and taking the Cattle Rearers, Hunters and Chain saw Operators into the reserve to desist from it or face prosecution.
For their part, the Herdsmen stated that they have no choice but to find pasture and water sources for their cattle. Meanwhile, they assured everyone including the communities that they will be careful when sending the cattle to graze so as not to destroy people’s farm.
Sharing their experiences, some of the Farmers lamented that the destruction of their farms by cattle have made them to lose farm produce and huge investment without any proper compensation. Others also expressed their displeasure about how some of the cases have been handled by the police.
At the Meeting were the District Chief Executive of Ho West, Hon. Ernest Victor Apau, the Paramount Chief of Abutia, Togbega Abutia Kodzo Gidi; the Chief of Kpota, Togbe Tsali IV, the District Coordinating Director, Mr. Wisdom Kporngor and some Management Staff, the Park Manager, Mr. Daniel Amankwah and Staff, Security Agencies, Assembly Members for Abutia Kloe and Abutia Kpota, Land Owners, Community Members from Abutia enclaves, Herdsmen and Farmers
Source: ISD, Ho West District Assembly
