Dr. Mohammed Musheibu Alfa, Deputy Upper West Region Minister, has warned people in the Wa West District to stop the practice of smuggling fuel products and fertilizers, as well as cattle rustling, across the border into neighbouring Burkina Faso.
He said the practice was unpatriotic and an act of sabotage to government’s agricultural policies, which cannot be allowed to go unpunished.
Dr. Alfa gave the warning at the maiden celebration of the “Kaka” (Hippo) Festival of the chiefs and people of the Wechiau Traditional Area at the weekend.
He encouraged the youth in the district to consider agriculture as a business and venture into it, using abundant water in the Black Volta River for all-year-round farming.
He tasked the District Security Committee (DISEC) to look into the issue of alien Fulani herdsmen and their cattle, which posed a serious threat to agricultural production in the district.
Mr. Joseph Yielle Chireh , Member of Parliament of the Wechiau – Dorimon, urged the traditional authorities and the District Assembly to collaborate and come out with bye -laws to secure the animals and the environment.
On the activities of armed robbers, the Member of Parliament said those involved in the canker had collaborators among the community members and urged them to give out their names to the police.
He commended the traditional authorities for the peaceful co-existence amongst the ethnic groups in the district.
Mr. Adamu Dasaanaa,Wa West District Chief Executive said protecting the Hippo and the environment was a shared responsibility and urged all to avoid farming along the reserve area. They should also grow more trees to replenish the depleting environment.
He said illegal mining or ‘galamsey’ activities on the river and its catchment area was a threat to the hippo sanctuary and gave the assurance that the District Security Committee would do all that it takes to get them out of the area.
He announced that the Wechiau District Assembly was in the process of building an ultra modern guest house at the site of the Hippos, in addition to the construction of roads to the area to facilitate the movement of tourists.
He called for public-private partnership to develop the Hippo sanctuary.
