Atwima-Techiman residents decry poultry farm nuisance as assembly sues farmer over siting of farm

In the Atwima-Techiman area, residents are voicing their discontent over a poultry farm that has become a public nuisance. The Kwadaso Municipal Assembly has commenced legal proceedings against a local resident for improperly raising chickens in a residential setting. The issue was brought to the Assembly's attention by the residents of Containermu, a neighboring suburb, who complained about the offensive odor and incessant noise emanating from the farm.

The Assembly's Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit received numerous complaints from affected residents, who described the situation as unbearable. They reported that the farmer had been keeping chickens on his property, leading to a constant stream of noise pollution and a foul smell caused by improperly disposed droppings.

The residents stated that the farm has severely impacted their health and well-being, causing sleepless nights due to the non-stop crowing, respiratory discomfort, and persistent irritation from the stench. Children and the elderly were particularly affected, with some fearing the outbreak of sanitation-related diseases due to the proliferation of flies and poor waste management.

The residents expressed their inability to cook, eat, and live comfortably in their homes, prompting them to petition the Assembly to enforce environmental regulations in the interest of public health. According to the Assembly's Environmental Health Officer, Madam Genevieve Anthony, the complaints were substantiated by an inspection by her team, which revealed the nuisance firsthand.

The officer noted that the farmer had been given multiple chances to rectify the situation through education and an abatement notice, but he refused to comply. The Assembly then sought legal action at the Twedie Court. After the farmer requested an out-of-court settlement, the Assembly withdrew the case temporarily and provided additional directives for the farmer to address the nuisance.

However, the farmer continued to defy the Assembly's directives, leading to the re-institution of the case at court. Madam Anthony assured residents that the Assembly is aware of their plight and will follow up on the matter once the court delivers its judgment at the end of the month. The Assembly's Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Francis Adu-Boateng, revealed that the poultry farm in question was not registered with the Assembly and lacked the necessary permits to operate in a residential area.

He emphasized that the facility did not meet the required environmental and sanitation standards for poultry farming, rendering its operations illegal. Mr. Adu-Boateng assured residents that the Assembly will ensure full compliance with its bye-laws to protect public health and restore tranquility to the community. Attempts to reach the accused farmer for comment were unsuccessful.