The Forgotten Nomads: Unpacking the Fulani Crises in Ghana Under Samira Bawumia and the NPP Government(I)
In the vast savannas and grasslands of Ghana, a centuries-old nomadic community has been a vital part of the country's cultural fabric. The Fulani people, with their rich tradition of cattle herding and expertise in livestock management, have contributed significantly to Ghana's agricultural sector.
However, despite their valuable contributions, the Fulani community has faced unprecedented challenges under the Nana Akufo-Addo and Bawumia NPP government. Systemic neglect, discrimination, and violence have become the harsh realities of life for the Fulani people in Ghana.
Fulanis face significant barriers in accessing essential government services like passports, NHIA cards, voter ID, and national ID cards. Many have had their identity documents seized or confiscated, with some even arrested and alleged to be non-Ghanaians. This has led to a sense of statelessness and exclusion from the Ghanaian society.
Fulani communities lack basic amenities like schools, healthcare posts, and transport systems, exacerbating their marginalization. The lack of schools has resulted in a high illiteracy rate among Fulani children, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
This situation underscores the need for political engagement strategies that are both ethical and effective, ensuring that promises made to marginalized communities, like the fulanis, are kept and that their issues are addressed in a meaningful way. It also highlights the importance of data-driven analysis to understand and address the root causes of such incidents and conflicts, moving forward.
