Two young men suspected of stealing goats, sheep and poultry from communities in the Upper East Region have been apprehended at Paga after they were caught with a tricycle-load of livestock.
The suspects, identified only as Ebenezer and Kwose from Navrongo, were arrested through the coordinated efforts of community watchdogs.
Eyewitnesses said the two men were tied to a tree and severely beaten for hours after their arrest, attracting a large crowd from nearby communities.
It remains unclear whether the suspects have been handed over to the police.
Residents said Paga, Chana and surrounding communities had experienced livestock thefts for years, with the suspected thieves moving from one community to another to steal animals for sale.
The latest arrest has drawn attention to concerns about livestock theft in the area and renewed calls for vigilance and lawful action against suspected perpetrators.
Goat thieves using tramadol
The incident comes amid growing concerns over livestock theft in Aboso in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality of the Western Region, where suspected thieves are using tramadol or sleeping tablets to incapacitate goats before stealing them.
The thefts have left livestock farmers counting their losses, with the perpetrators reportedly operating under the cover of darkness.
According to reports, the suspects mix tramadol or sleeping tablets with food or fish and feed them to the animals, causing them to become weak and less likely to resist or alert their owners.
Kojo Bonsu, a resident of Aboso and a goat farmer, told the media that he had lost almost his entire herd of 70 goats, with only two remaining.
He said the zonal council chairman and several other residents had also suffered similar losses.
Mr Bonsu suspected that some of the stolen goats might be supplied to chinchinga (kebab) vendors amid rising demand for goat meat. However, no evidence was provided to establish a link between the vendors and the alleged thefts.
He also warned that continued losses could drive frustrated residents to seek spiritual intervention through their traditional deities, expressing concern about the possible consequences for the community.
The incidents have heightened anxiety among residents, who are calling for urgent action to protect their livestock, investigate the alleged thefts and bring those responsible to justice.
