The Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly has demolished an illegal cattle ranch located in the middle of the Santana community, near the community clinic, as part of efforts to reduce environmental pollution and protect public health.
The exercise was led by Municipal Chief Executive Dr. Michael Mensah and forms part of a renewed crackdown on encroachment, which authorities say has contributed to serious health risks within the municipality.
Speaking to the media during the operation in the Santana Electoral Area on Saturday, Dr. Mensah said the structure had existed for several years despite repeated warnings from the Assembly.
“It has been there for years. It was a small place initially, 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 said.
He explained that the ranch gradually expanded into a cattle facility occupying sections of the community, close to residential areas and the local clinic.
The demolition was carried out in collaboration with relevant stakeholders after sustained engagement with the occupants, he added.
Dr. Mensah stressed that sustained community cooperation would be critical to preserving the gains made through such exercises and preventing future health emergencies.
Municipal Environmental Health Officer Mr. Shani Mutala said the exercise was backed by a court order and was necessary due to serious health and safety risks linked to the ranch.
“The dangerous part is that the cattle always caused serious traffic and also polluted water bodies, which can cause diseases to end users,” Mr. Mutala said.
He noted that the Assembly will continue to enforce environmental safety and public health regulations across the municipality to prevent similar encroachments.
