Residents of Aboso in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality of the Western Region have raised concerns over a reported increase in goat thefts. Suspected thieves allegedly use tramadol or sleeping tablets to weaken the animals before stealing them.
The incidents have caused serious financial losses for livestock farmers in the community. One affected farmer, Kojo Bonsu, says he has lost almost his entire herd of 70 goats, leaving him with only two.
Mr Bonsu described the losses as a major setback to his livelihood. He fears that continued thefts could threaten other farmers who depend on livestock for income and financial security.
According to affected residents, the suspected thieves mix tramadol or sleeping tablets with food or fish. They allegedly feed the mixture to the goats, making the animals weak and easier to steal. The residents say the incidents often occur under the cover of darkness.
Mr Bonsu told the media that he was not the only victim. He claimed that the Zonal Council Chairman and several other residents had also lost goats under similar circumstances.
The repeated incidents have heightened concerns among livestock owners. Many fear further losses if the authorities fail to investigate the reports and improve security in the community.
Mr Bonsu also suspects that some stolen goats may end up with chinchinga vendors who sell grilled meat. However, no evidence has established a link between the vendors and the alleged thefts.
The farmer warned that frustration could grow if the perpetrators remain unidentified. He also expressed concern about how some residents might respond if the situation continues without intervention.
Despite the reported scale of the losses, Mr Bonsu said the affected farmers had not yet formally reported the incidents to the police. He explained that they had not had the opportunity to do so.
Residents are now calling for urgent action to protect their livestock and investigate the alleged use of drugs to incapacitate the animals. They also want the authorities to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
Bibi Monney, a media personality in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality, said the affected farmers were calling for swift intervention. They hope authorities will restore confidence and prevent further losses in Aboso.
For Mr Bonsu and other livestock owners, the concern goes beyond the missing animals. Their goats represent years of investment and a source of income. Without effective action, further thefts could deepen the financial hardship facing farmers in the community.
