The Institute of Community Sustainability has announced a temporary suspension of its nationwide sensitisation campaign aimed at ending cruelty toward dogs and cats, following a violent incident involving its Executive Director, Eric Jerry Aidoo. The decision, confirmed on March 24, 2026, comes after Aidoo was nearly lynched during an outreach activity, raising serious concerns about the safety of advocacy efforts in parts of the country.
The organisation, widely known for its campaign against the abuse and consumption of dogs and cats in Ghana, described the incident as deeply distressing. According to its official statement, the attack occurred while Aidoo, popularly known as Chairman Jerry, was engaging communities as part of the awareness tour. The situation escalated into a mob confrontation that nearly turned fatal, forcing the organisation to immediately halt its activities nationwide.
ICS explained that the suspension is not a cancellation but a strategic pause to reassess security measures and protect its team members. “The tour is not cancelled. We have only put our activities on hold,” the organisation stated, emphasising that its mission remains intact despite the setback. The group added that ensuring the safety of its personnel is now a top priority before any further engagements resume.
The campaign itself has been one of the most visible animal welfare advocacy efforts in Ghana in recent months, targeting deeply rooted cultural practices around the treatment and consumption of certain animals. In several communities, especially in parts of the Northern Region, the consumption of dog meat remains a longstanding tradition. This has created tension between animal rights advocates and sections of the public who view such practices as part of their cultural identity. The ICS campaign sought to address this divide through education, community dialogue and behavioural change initiatives.
The near-fatal attack on Aidoo highlights the sensitivity of the issue and the risks associated with advocacy that challenges entrenched social norms. Observers note that while animal welfare campaigns are gaining traction globally, their reception can vary significantly depending on cultural context. In Ghana, where pets such as dogs and cats serve both as companions and, in some areas, as sources of food, the conversation remains complex and sometimes controversial.
Despite the incident, Aidoo has maintained a firm stance, insisting that intimidation will not derail the organisation’s mission. He reiterated the campaign’s core message, stressing that dogs and cats should be treated as family members rather than food sources. His comments reflect a broader push by animal welfare groups to redefine societal attitudes toward pets and promote humane treatment standards across the country.
The ICS has also used the moment to call for greater public support, urging citizens to join its advocacy efforts as volunteers and ambassadors. The organisation believes that sustainable change will require grassroots participation and continuous education rather than isolated campaigns. It has indicated plans to resume the tour once safety protocols are strengthened, with intended coverage across regions including Volta, Northern, Eastern and Greater Accra.
Beyond animal welfare, the incident raises broader questions about the safety of civil society actors in Ghana. Advocacy groups operating in sensitive areas, whether related to human rights, environmental issues or cultural practices, often face resistance that can escalate into hostility. The ICS case underscores the need for improved protection mechanisms for activists and stronger engagement strategies that balance advocacy goals with community sensitivities.
Animal welfare experts argue that campaigns like ICS’s are not only about ethics but also public health and security. Proper treatment of animals, especially domesticated ones, is linked to disease control, sanitation and safer urban living environments. Dogs, in particular, play roles in home security, while cats contribute to pest control, making their protection a matter of both humane treatment and practical value.
As Ghana continues to modernise and engage with global conversations on animal rights, the clash between tradition and evolving norms is likely to persist. The ICS campaign, despite its temporary suspension, represents a growing movement seeking to influence that transition through awareness and education.
For now, the organisation’s immediate focus remains on regrouping and ensuring that its team can safely continue its work. While the pause marks a significant disruption, ICS insists it is only temporary and that its long-term commitment to ending cruelty toward dogs and cats remains unchanged.
Forestry Commission sues Cheddar over illegal tiger imports and seeks possession of the animals