News
Stray cattle “take over” Oil City
Residents of Sekondi-Takoradi have continued to express their anger and frustration about stray herds of cattle which have invaded the metropolis and causing nuisance in the oil city.
They pointed to the danger the cattle posed to vehicular traffic while grazing especially on the Sekondi road, towards the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital.
They said all efforts by the city authorities to eject the cattle herders from the city centre to Whindo hit a snag.
Over the years, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly(STMA) have taken bold steps to drive away cattle at the abattoir, on the GHACEM road, at New Takoradi.
A recalcitrant cattle owner had even established a kraal overlooking the Butua Lagoon, just about 50 metres, at the Takoradi Technical University (TTU) bus stop and had refused to quit the area.
At about 10.50 am last Tuesday, herds of cattle emerged from the kraal near the GOIL Depot, jammed the TACOTEL section of the Sekondi road and caused a gridlock as vehicles were trapped in traffic for about more that an hour from Paa Grant roundabout to Sekondi.
Besides the nuisance, the cattle posed danger to commuters especially motor riders.
A passenger complained : “ This cattle nuisance has become a permanent feature on this road in a metropolis christened ‘oil city’.Indeed, they are a threat to public safety.”
Another driver commented: “Massa, it’s a hell driving on the Sekondi road especially when the cattle block the road on their way to the Effia Nkwanta to graze.It’s frustrating and dangerous.Our authorities must be resolute and ensure that the city is rid of the cattle nuisance.”
The Spectator recalled that in September 2017, the late Metropolitan ChiefExecutive, Mr. Anthony K.K. Sam, had expressed serious concerns about stray animals and described them as a major causeof environmental pollution in the twin-city.
He, therefore, resolved to take drastic measures including prosecutions to tackle this menace.
The then Presiding Member of STMA, Mr John Davies, had also expressed similar concerns particularly about cattle roaming on various streets and competing with vehicles and also posing danger to residents.
He also called for strict enforcement of the bye laws to make the owners of the cattle more responsible. But, nothing has changed since then.
An STMA official who pleaded anonymity and his frustration last Tuesday remarked : “ We have been talking about this matter for a long time and still we have not been able to eject the cattle and their owners to Whindo as we planned.”
He told “The Spectator” that the cattle were to have been relocated from the New Takoradi road to Konfeku, but, “it appears nothing is happening.”
“Indeed, the safety of the society should be our paramount concern. We need to take action and remove the kraal near the GOIL Depot.” another source added.
A resident of Effia Nkwanta hospital quarters also confirmed that the animals came to graze in the area and evem destroyed crops of some farmers near the GBC offices.
Meanwhile, residents at the SSNIT Flats and the Anaji Estates have also complained about the nuisance posed by herdsof cattle grazing in th area.
The Spectator gathered that there is a kraal established in the bush behind Block I at the SSNIT Flats and the frontage of Block H and the environs including the Anaji cemetery.
As the cattle passed through the neighbourhoods, they destroyed crops,gardens and posed a threat to children who played in the open places.
“This is a nuisance and an embarrassment in a city like Takoradi. No! This nuisance must stop.” Mrs Akua Baduwa Dadzie, a resident at the SSNIT Flats complained.
The Assembly member of the AnajiElectoral area, Mr John Davies, also said: “We have reported the matter to the assembly and we think that, those involved should be given an ultimatum to relocate the kraals in the houses and also not allow the animals to move in the neighbourhood.”
From Clement Adzei Boye, Takoradi
The ECOWAS Council of Ministers has unanimously endorsed President John Dramani Mahama as West Africa’s sole candidate for the Chairperson of the African Union when the rotating position gets to the region in 2027.
The endorsement was announced at the ninety-fifth ordinary session of the Council in Abuja on 12 December 2025.
The Authority of Heads of State and Government is expected to adopt the recommendation on Sunday.
In a declaration issued after the meeting, the Council noted that Ghana remains an important member of the regional bloc and continues to contribute to ECOWAS’ international standing.
It stressed the need for member states to work together to secure top positions for West Africans in continental and global organisations.
The Council explained that adopting a unified stance would help ECOWAS protect and promote its interests within the African Union.
It therefore recommended that the Heads of State fully back Ghana’s bid for the AU chairmanship.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana Education Service has released all outstanding feeding grants for Special Schools across the country.
The funds cover the third term of the 2024/2025 academic year and the first term of the 2025/2026 academic year.
GES has also cleared all arrears owed Senior High Schools and Senior High Technical Schools for perishables supplied between 29 July and 17 October 2025.
According to the Service, the money has been transferred into the accounts of all beneficiary schools.
Heads of Special Schools, SHS and SHTS have been asked to submit official receipts for the funds through their Regional Accountants to the Director General.
The Public Relations Unit in a statement noted that GES remains committed to supporting effective teaching, learning and inclusive education in the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
