KMA Mayor to kill, feed stray cattle to prisons, contrary to assembly’s bye-laws

Richard Ofori-Agyemang Boadi, the Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, has announced a new plan. The Assembly will kill stray cattle and donate them to prisons and charities.

This decision aims to address the ongoing problem of stray cattle in the city. At a press conference in Kumasi, he stated that from May 1, any stray cattle will be killed. These cattle will then be given to the Kumasi Central Prisons for food.

He expressed concern about visitors seeing cattle waste near the airport. He wants to improve the city's image for those arriving.

Stray cattle often block roads in Kumasi. For example, at Asokwa traffic light, about fifteen cattle cross unsupervised. This creates traffic issues even when lights are green.

Stray cattle have been a problem on major roads in Greater Kumasi for years. In Oforikrom Municipality, Top High Traffic Light has become a grazing spot for these animals. Asokore Mampong faces similar challenges that endanger pedestrians.

According to local bye-laws, authorized individuals can arrest wandering cattle without public supervision. The laws prohibit keeping such animals outside slaughterhouses.

If an animal is arrested, it can be returned to its owner after fees are paid. If not claimed within ten days, it may be sold at auction.

Mayor Boadi proposes a different approach to this issue. The previous administration struggled with financial constraints and could not enforce bye-laws effectively.

They failed to finalize payment terms with those responsible for catching the cattle. However, Mayor Boadi claims all necessary arrangements are now in place.

He mentioned that locations for processing the cattle have been identified. He has also discussed plans with the Regional Commander of the prison regarding their use of the meat and catching methods.