News
Stray cattle “take over” Oil City
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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 Accra Regional Police Command has arrested five people and retrieved firearms, ammunition and other offensive items during an intelligence led operation at Sapeiman Faase in the Greater Accra Region.
According to a press release issued by the Command on Monday, the operation was carried out jointly with the National Police Intelligence Directorate (NPID) on July 17, 2026.
The Police identified the suspects as Torgbui Agah Semaglo, 50, Shadrach Agah Semaglo, 22, William Kweku Sedanu, 21, Cyril Kassenu, 26, and Kingsford Agah Semaglo, 18.
The Command said a search at the suspects’ premises led to the retrieval of a pump action gun, a Stoeger ST R9 pistol, a dummy Austria pistol, a jackknife, a face mask, 12 BB cartridges, three rounds of 9mm ammunition, one AK-47 round of ammunition, a talisman and two kitchen knives.
It noted that all the items had been kept as exhibits to support investigations.
The Police said preliminary investigations suggested that the suspects were members of a criminal group involved in armed robbery and landguard activities.
It alleged that they used the recovered weapons to terrorise residents in Sapeiman and nearby communities.
The suspects are currently in Police custody assisting with investigations, while efforts continue to determine their involvement in other robbery cases and related criminal activities. The Police also said it was working to identify and arrest any additional accomplices.
The Accra Regional Police Command commended members of the public for providing credible information that supported its work and urged residents to remain vigilant.
It encouraged the public to report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Police emergency numbers, adding that it remained committed to protecting lives and property across the region.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that a revised national curriculum for kindergarten to junior high school will be presented to the Ministry of Education on Wednesday for further approval.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series today, Mr. Iddrisu said the new curriculum was developed by the National Curriculum Assessment Agency (NaCCA) as part of efforts to improve teaching and learning at the basic education level.
According to him, the revised curriculum will be formally submitted to the Ministry before it is forwarded to President John Dramani Mahama. He added that it will then be sent to Cabinet and Parliament for consideration and approval.
Mr. Iddrisu said the revised curriculum is designed to support a “Smart Start” approach by strengthening the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
He explained that the government intends to introduce new subjects, including coding, electronics, artificial intelligence (AI) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), into the basic school curriculum.
The Minister said the changes form part of the government’s commitment to equipping pupils with practical and digital skills needed to meet the demands of the modern world.
He expressed confidence that the revised curriculum would help prepare learners for future opportunities by integrating technology and innovation into education from the early years of schooling.
By: Jacob Aggrey
