The Asokore-Mampong Municipal Assembly is set to establish a special task force to monitor and apprehend stray animals within the municipality as part of efforts to improve public safety and sanitation.

The decision follows persistent complaints from residents over the activities of stray animals, particularly cattle, which frequently roam through residential communities, markets, and major roads in the municipality.

Residents and motorists say the animals often create fear and inconvenience, while also posing risks to road users, especially during peak traffic hours.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Ben Abdullah Alhassan, disclosed this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi.

He explained that controlling stray animals had become one of the Assembly’s major challenges because there are currently no dedicated officers assigned specifically to manage such situations.

According to him, responses to reports involving stray animals are often delayed due to the absence of a specialised team to carry out arrests and control operations in a coordinated manner.

Alhassan said the Assembly plans to recruit between 10 and 20 officers, popularly referred to as “cowboys,” who would be stationed at strategic locations, including the Kumasi Airport Roundabout and other hotspots where stray animals are frequently sighted.

The officers would be responsible for arresting stray cattle, goats, sheep, dogs, and other animals, ensuring they are handled in accordance with municipal regulations.

He added that owners of impounded animals would be fined, while some animals could also be sent to the Kumasi Abattoir for auction to recover operational costs and discourage negligence among owners.

“Our aim is not to punish people unnecessarily, but to ensure that animal owners take their responsibilities seriously,” he stated.

Alhassan further indicated that the Assembly is considering establishing a confinement facility to house impounded animals and prevent them from escaping before sanctions are applied.

He advised livestock owners to strengthen their kraals and ensure animals are properly secured to prevent them from straying into public spaces.

The MCE also cautioned cattle owners and handlers to exercise restraint as Eid al-Adha approaches.

He stressed that the display of cattle on streets in ways that endanger the public or cause damage to vehicles and property should be avoided.

Alhassan appealed to animal owners, handlers, and residents to cooperate with the Assembly to ensure peace, safety, and order in the municipality ahead of the festivities.