By Prince Ahenkorah
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture, in collaboration with the Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers, have officially launched the National Livestock Day, set to take place on October 3rd and 4th, 2024, at the Efua Sutherland Park.
The Media Launch of the National Livestock Day, took place at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Project office, Cantoment-Accra, on September 10, 2024.
The initiative aims to celebrate and recognize the contributions of livestock farmers to the nation’s economy and food security.
However, despite this significant celebration, there are pressing issues concerning livestock management that remain unresolved.
In Ghana, livestock are commonly found on major roads, disrupting traffic and posing risks to road users. This issue persists despite the generally harmless nature of the animals involved.
The prevalence of cattle and other livestock wandering through urban areas underlines a broader problem within the livestock farming value chain, highlighting a need for comprehensive solutions beyond mere celebrations.
The Media launch of National Livestock Day, aimed to honor livestock farmers, but it has not directly addressed the challenges faced within the sector. Among these challenges are the provision of adequate feed and the establishment of designated grazing areas, which would alleviate the need for farmers to allow their livestock to roam freely on streets. Addressing these issues could significantly reduce road disruptions and enhance overall safety.
Speaking at the media launch, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Alhaji Hardi Tufeiru who spoke on behalf of his Minister, emphasized the importance of livestock farming in creating jobs, providing food and nutrition, and boosting the economy.
The Minister, reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing livestock farming as a key factor in its development agenda.
He highlighted that the celebration of National Livestock Day, aligns with this commitment and aims to put a spotlight on the sector’s importance.
The Deputy Minister, further acknowledged several challenges faced by livestock farmers, including frequent conflicts between herders and crop farmers, difficulties in disease management, limited access to quality feed, and inadequate market access.
These issues are crucial and must be addressed to support the growth and sustainability of the livestock industry in Ghana.
One of the significant hurdles is the accessibility of affordable feed. Without reliable and cost-effective feed options, farmers are forced to allow their livestock to graze in various uncontrolled areas, including sides of major roads, posing danger to road users.
Additionally, the lack of defined spaces for keeping livestock, particularly in urban areas, exacerbates the problem.
This lack of infrastructure forces farmers to manage their herds in ideal conditions, contributing to the ongoing issue of livestock roaming on highways.
In light of these challenges, The Herald, has observed that herds of cattle frequently wander onto major highways, creating potential hazards for both drivers and pedestrians.
Ultimately, while National Livestock Day serves as an important step in recognizing and celebrating the contributions of livestock farmers, it is essential for the government to address the underlying challenges within the livestock industry.
By implementing practical solutions and supporting farmers with the necessary resources, the government can help mitigate issues such as livestock disruptions on major roads and ensure the sustainable growth of the livestock sector in Ghana.
