Aflao, Aug 27, GNA - Hopes of finding a Fulani cattle herdsman alive, two weeks after he failed to return home at Sepenukope near Aflao, are waning. The missing herdsman's cattle returned to the kraal on their own. Police sources told the Ghana News Agency that reports that the body of the missing herdsman, known only as Hammah, had been found with vital parts of the body missing, suggesting ritual murder, were only speculations.

Hammah, 22, a Burkinabe, was said to be only a week old in the area and was on his first outing with the animals on August 10 when he failed to return. Mannu Ahmadu, the master herdsman through whom Hammeh was engaged, said he personally took Hammah to the bush, showed him the paths and gave other instructions before entrusting the animals to his care. Ahmadu said his colleague had no point in vacating his job unceremoniously with only a week's stay in the area without committing any crime.

Mr Ahmed Issah Yakubu, Assistant Superintended of Police in charge of Aflao who confirmed the story, said the police were investigating.