The Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly (AWMA) on  the 11^th June 2026 carried out a cattle evacuation exercise at selected locations within the municipality as part of efforts to promote public safety, sanitation, and the free movement of pedestrians and motorists. The exercise was conducted with the assistance of the Kotobabi Police Station, the Municipal City Guards, some assembly members and some residents of these locations.

The exercise took place along the Abelenkpe Railway Line and at Roman Ridge behind the ECG Substation, where cattles were reared in unauthorized places. The operation was undertaken to address concerns regarding the increasing presence of cattle in public spaces and the potential dangers they pose to residents and road users.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Dr. Michael Mensah, noted that the presence of cattles in open spaces and straying onto the roads creates safety hazards, causes damage to property, and contributes to environmental sanitation challenges. He cited that the rears at the Abelenkpe railway area usually dump their waste into the gutter which is very unhealthy and during rain downpour, the air around the areas which have such situation smell very badly which is unhealthy. He indicated that the residents have complained for long about the situation, several warnings had previously been issued to the cattle rearers however, these directives were not adhered to, necessitating to legal action and then evacuation exercise.

The Municipal Environmental Health Officer, Alhaji Shani Muntalla, explained that the exercise was being conducted in compliance with a court ruling following the conclusion of a legal case concerning the matter. According to him, the court ordered the cattle rearers to vacate the area by 11th June 2026. He added that failure to comply with the directive would empower the Assembly to take possession of the cattle and auction them in accordance with the law. Upon arrival they have vacated the place but the structures were in place, which they are being demolished by the assembly. He further noted that other cattle rearers operating within the municipality have also been served with notices and cautioned to comply with the Assembly's regulations. He stated that this action would serve as a deterrent to others and help maintain order within the municipality.

The Assembly reiterated its commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly environment and indicated that similar exercises would be conducted periodically to ensure a safe and healthy Ayawaso West Municipality.

Source; Municipal Information Services Department.