Fulanis to help deal with armed robbers

Yeji (B/A), June 29, GNA - Fulani communities in Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo regions have formed an association to help track down armed robberies alleged perpetrated by some Fulanis.

Mr. Burhanu Deen Babal Waiz, General Secretary, addressing the Fulani community at Yeji in Pru District of the Brong-Ahafo Region, admitted that "some of the allegations of robbery leveled against us are true".

He said it had therefore become necessary for the leadership of Fulani communities to form an association to help clamp down on the few miscreants amongst them, especially those in the northern sector of the country.

Mr. Waiz said the step taken was in line with a meeting between Mr. Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, and the leadership of the Fulani communities in Sunyani to find ways in dealing with the upsurge of armed robbery in the region. "With due respect for the laws of Ghana we have taken the call by the Regional Minister very serious by coming together under one umbrella to find a more meaningful way to curb armed robbery and expose the bad nuts amongst us", he said.

The General Secretary said the association would register and issue all Fulanis in the country with identification cards, as well as organise regular fora to educate them about the laws of Ghana. Mallam Yahaya, Fulani Chief of Chendiiri-Krachi who is the Public Relations Officer of the association, appealed to the security services to step up night patrols.

"Any Fulani herdsman who will be caught in the act of robbery and misconduct will not receive any support from the leadership", he said and appealed to them to comport themselves and live in accordance with the laws of Ghana. 29 June 09