Zangbeyire residents bemoan increasing elephant invasion

An increase in elephant invasion in some parts of Zangbeyire in the Upper East Region has resulted in food insecurity.

Residents are concerned because their farms are being destroyed by elephants. About 250 farms have so far been affected.

According to farmers in the locality, there will be severe consequences if the matter is not addressed.

Areas affected include Zangbeyire Natinga, Bulinga, Apoatdabogo and Zorga.

Residents in these areas have always had to flee when the elephants storm the town. Such incidents take place from October to November annually.

The residents have been battling with this ordeal for the past four years.

Mr Ayeebo Wahabu, a farmer, had his 20 acres of maize and 10 acres of Guinea corn farm destroyed.

According to him, he had invested thousands of Ghana cedis into the business but harvested less.

Imoro Sumani, Asamande Eric, Ayembilla Bukari and Akugri Adam are also victims of the elephants’ invasion.

Mr Sumani had 28 hectares of millet and 16 hectares of Guinea corn farm destroyed.

Mr Eric’s one acre of cassava, 12 acres of Guinea corn and Mr Bukari’s five acres of Guinea corn were also destroyed while Mr Adam lost three acres of Guinea corn and two acres of soya beans.

The residents want the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission to capture the elephants and create an ecotourism in the locality.