Ayawaso West Assembly demolishes illegal cattle ranch at Santana community
The Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly has demolished an illegal cattle ranch located in the middle of Santana community, near the community clinic, as part of efforts to reduce environmental pollution in the area.
The exercise, led by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Dr. Micheal Mensah, forms part of a renewed crackdown on encroachment which authorities say has significantly contributed to serious health risks within the municipality.
He said the structure had existed for about years despite repeated warnings from the Assembly.
According to him, the site was initially used to be small but gradually expanded into a cattle ranch occupying sections of the community.
Speaking to the media during the evacuation exercise at Santana Electoral Area yesterday, , the MCE said the Assembly carried out the demolition in collaboration with relevant stakeholders after sustained engagement with the occupants.
He indicated that,it has been existing for almost years. It was a small place , but along the line, we realised they were bringing more cattle. We had given them several warnings, but they kept coming. So, this time around, we decided to bring everybody on board to ensure we clear the place.
He stressed that sustained community cooperation would be critical to preserving the gains made through such exercises and preventing future health pandemic.
The Municipal Environmental Health Officer for the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly Mr. Shani Mutala said the exercise was taken through court orders and also raised serious health risks within the municipality.
He lamented that, the danger part is that the cattle always caused serious traffic and also polluted water bodies which can cause diseases to end users .
He however said the assembly will ensure standard enforcement, environmental safety, and public health regulations across the municipality.
Story by Kwadwo Baffour
