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
In a world where fathers are increasingly consumed by work and the pursuit of financial security, Bishop Michael Quartey, the Regional Overseer of the Perez Chapel International, has urged fathers to prioritise spending quality time with their children.
This, he said makes them develop trust, love and sense of security in building confident responsible adults.
Bishop Michael Quartey made this known in an interview with The Spectator ahead of the Father’s Day celebration tomorrow.
He noted that while many fathers are providing the financial needs of their families, children also require emotional support, guidance and quality time from their fathers.
“A lot of children are engaged in a lot of negative things just because of the absence of their fathers and it is about time we sit up.”
Bishop Quartey explained that fatherhood goes beyond meeting financial obligations and involves being physically and emotionally present in the lives of their children.
“Fathers serve as role models whose actions and decisions often influence the values and attitudes of their children” he disclosed.
He also elaborated that regular communication, participation in school activities and involvement in children’s daily life could significantly strengthen family bonds and contribute to the overall well –being of the children.
He added that though the modern day fathers are doing so well, we need to continue to change the narrative by putting in extra effort in the upbringing of our children.
“Being a father is a great joy and it is very necessary for fathers to be celebrated because they go through a lot,” he indicated.
Mr Quartey used the opportunity to encourage all fathers to continue doing their best and pray for their children as well.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
A new cultural, trade, and diplomatic platform celebrating Ghana-Norway ties was launched on Saturday, June 13, at Palms by Eagles Hotel, Accra.
Dubbed the ‘Akwaaba Nsuo & Velkommen Fjord Durbar 2026’, the event draws on the symbolism of Ghana’s rivers, -Nsuo, and Norway’s fjords to highlight water as a shared cultural, economic, and environmental identity.
The three-day event is scheduled for July 31 – August 2, 2026 in Oslo, Norway. Activities will include a trade exhibition, durbar of chiefs, and B2B networking sessions.
Speaking at the launch, CEO of the Durbar, Kofi Mulan, said Ghana’s rivers like the Volta, Pra, and Ankobra have long sustained livelihoods through fishing, transport, and spirituality.
“Similarly, Norway’s fjords represent the cornerstone of its maritime heritage, global leadership in ocean industries, and environmental stewardship,” Mr Mulan added.
“These parallel relationships with water form the philosophical and thematic spine of the entire event. The Akwaaba Nsuo & Velkommen Fjord Durbar 2026 is therefore framed as a convergence of heritage and innovation,” he said.
Organisers say participants will benefit from Global visibility and cultural diplomacy in Europe, stronger ties with Norway, and increased market access for exports like fashion, crafts, agribusiness, and processed goods under AfCFTA frameworks on the Ghana side.
On the Norway side, they noted access to Norwegian expertise in maritime technology, aquaculture, and renewable energy, plus opportunities in fisheries, offshore energy, and sustainability projects.
The Durbar is positioned as a high-level exchange platform to deepen trade and diplomatic relations between Ghana and Norway.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
