A violent altercation between local farmers and Fulani herdsmen in the Gomoa Amenfi area in the Central Region has led to the destruction of six homes belonging to the herders.
The conflict erupted following an incident where cattle from the Fulani herd reportedly damaged a green pepper farm belonging to a local farmer.
The Trigger
On Sunday, March 30, 2025, a local farmer’s pepper farm was damaged by cattle belonging to the Fulani herdsmen, which set off a chain of events culminating in the violent retaliation.
In response to the damage, workers from the farm reportedly raided the Fulani community early the following morning, setting six homes ablaze, leaving many in the community without shelter.
Sheifu Ibrahim, a resident of the Fulani community and one of the affected persons, spoke to Citi News about the harrowing ordeal.
“Around 6am Sunday, I was walking my animals to graze when I heard noises from the Fulani community. When I arrived, I found that six of our homes had been set on fire by local farmers,” Ibrahim said.
The attack resulted in the loss of personal belongings, including money and clothing.
Physical Assault
During the attack, one of the Fulani herdsmen was physically assaulted and had to be rushed to the Otoo Memorial Hospital in Winneba for treatment.
In addition, Ibrahim shared that his mother, who was sleeping at the time of the attack, sustained minor injuries to her back.
He credited the quick actions of neighbours for preventing her from being caught in the fire, which could have been fatal.
“The locals came with gallons of petrol, and despite our pleas, they set fire to the homes. Only women and children were present at the time, and my mother would have perished had it not been for the intervention of neighbours,” Ibrahim recounted with distress.
Calls for Justice
As the dust settles on the tragic incident, the Fulani herders are now demanding justice.
Ibrahim, speaking on behalf of the affected community, called for the perpetrators to be held accountable for their actions.
He also urged that the losses be compensated.
“Today is Sallah, one of the worst days of our lives, as our clothes and belongings were destroyed in the fire. The farmer could have resolved this issue in a more civil manner. We want the perpetrators be brought to book and for our destroyed properties to be compensated,” he stated.
Police Action
Following the attack, six individuals believed to be responsible for setting fire to the homes were apprehended by the Effutu Municipal Police Command.
They are currently in police custody pending further investigation into the incident.
