The paramount Chief of the Damongo traditional area, Damongowura Boresah Kelly Seidu I, has instituted a prohibition on the sale of Khebab, commonly referred to as Chinchinga, within the Damongo Municipality until further notice.
Furthermore,Damongowura Boresah Kelly has instructed all meat vendors to utilize the abattoir constructed by the West Gonja Municipal Assembly for animal slaughter, as any animal slaughtered outside the facility will be considered stolen.
These measures follow growing concerns among residents regarding increased animal theft cases, which have left numerous livestock owners frustrated and financially strained.
The Damongowura made the disclosure following a meeting with the youth of Damongo, led by Pastor Samuel Mahama Denkeri, at his palace.
A series of mysterious disappearances of four-legged animals, including goats, sheep, and cattle, has sparked concerns about a potential theft syndicate operating within the municipality.
According to affected residents, thieves frequently strike under the cover of darkness, exploiting inadequate community surveillance and insufficient security patrols in the area.
Some victims have expressed frustration that despite reporting incidents, little progress has been made in apprehending the culprits. "We are suffering here. Almost every week, someone loses their animals. It is our only source of survival, and yet the thieves continue to evade justice," a concerned livestock owner stated in an interview.
Farmers and herdsmen, who rely heavily on livestock for their livelihoods, say the situation is deteriorating and requires immediate intervention from security agencies.
Meanwhile, community leaders have called on the West Gonja Municipal Assembly and the Savannah Regional Police Command to intensify efforts in combating the menace. They appealed for the reactivation of community watchdog committees to assist in monitoring and protecting livestock.
Apart from this,notorious animal thieves have gone into hiding following an arrest made in the early hours of Thursday after some animals were killed at the Yagbon residential area.
