In Ghana, authorities sue farmer over keeping chickens in residential area
In Ghana, the Kwadaso Municipal Assembly has sued a resident of Atwima-Techiman over keeping chickens in a residential area. Residents complained about the pungent smell of droppings and constant noise from the birds, which, they say, worsen living conditions, MyJoyOnline reports.
Residents of the Container suburb appealed to the assembly’s Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit. They described the backyard poultry farm as an unbearable source of nuisance and complained of sleeplessness caused by bird calls, breathing difficulties, stench and flies. Some residents also reported respiratory discomfort among children and elderly people.
Inspection and court proceedings
Kwadaso Municipal Assembly Environmental Health Officer Genevieve Anthony said inspectors observed the problems described by residents during an inspection. According to her, the farmer was first informed about the rules for proper poultry keeping and was served with a notice to eliminate the noise and odour. She added that the droppings were being collected without proper disposal.
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After the farmer, according to Anthony, failed to comply with the requirements, the assembly took the case to the Twedie court. He later requested an out-of-court settlement, so the case was temporarily withdrawn. The authorities issued additional instructions, but the official said the problem of the smell and improper handling of droppings had not been resolved.
Status of the poultry farm
Kwadaso Municipal Assembly Coordinating Director Francis Adu-Boateng said the poultry farm is not registered with the assembly and does not have permission to operate in a residential area. According to him, an inspection also found that the facility did not meet environmental and sanitary requirements for poultry farming, making its operation illegal.
The assembly has returned the case to court and expects a final decision by the end of the month. It was not possible to obtain a comment from the farmer.
