Mr. Mohammed Hardi Tufeiru, Deputy Minister of Agriculture in charge of Livestock, has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to improving the livestock industry to achieve sustainable food security and economic growth.
He pointed out that the commitment was demonstrated by the substantial investments made over the past seven years through initiatives such as Rearing for Food and Jobs, and the Savannah Investment Project, where thousands of livestock farmers have received support.
The Minister was speaking during the opening of the National Livestock Day 2024 in Accra.
It was organised by the Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers (GNACAF) in partnership with the Ministry of Foods and Agriculture (MoFA).
Mr. Tufeiru said that the livestock sub-sector was a vital source of livelihood for many Ghanaians, generating jobs and income for millions, particularly within rural communities.
He noted that it provided animal protein essential for improving food security and nutrition, presented opportunities for wealth creation, income enhancement, and served as a safety net against crop failures.
“In 2021, the sector contributed about 8.3 per cent to the agricultural Gross Domestic Product, and this does not include the value of secondary products such as manure, draught power and transport which, are provided to other sectors of the Ghanaian economy,” he added
The Minister said the livestock sub-sector could contribute even more, particularly in a region where it accounts for 44 percent of agricultural GDP.
He said the initiative could serve to bring all stakeholders along the value chain together as part of efforts to develop the livestock sub-sector in Ghana.
“Investment into breed improvement, livestock markets, slaughter facilities, water and forage infrastructure and tax waivers have been made.
“Several direct and indirect jobs have been created along the livestock value chain for the good people of Ghana,” he added.
Mr. Tufeiru stated that if Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia is elected, focused efforts would be made to invest in research to develop high-yielding, climate-resilient livestock breeds that are well-adapted to Ghana’s ecological conditions.
He added that efforts would also be directed toward establishing ecological zonal breeding centres equipped with modern facilities to support artificial insemination and other breeding technologies, aimed at enhancing genetic diversity and productivity in the livestock sector.
The Minister noted that as the population and level of urbanisation are expected to increase, the demand for animal protein would also rise.
This underscores the need for bold solutions to secure livelihoods and jobs for Ghanaians.
Imam Hanfi Sonde, President of GNACAF, said that National Livestock Day would be an annual event bringing together government officials and relevant stakeholders to reflect on the contributions of the livestock industry to Ghana’s economic development.
He said it would also serve as a platform to explore solutions to the industry’s challenges.
Imam Sonde noted that the livestock industry played a vital role in Ghana’s economic development.
He pointed out that the cattle sector faced several significant challenges, including animal health issues, livestock theft, inadequate data collection, and, most critically, ongoing farmer-herder conflicts that have led to loss of lives and property.
Imam Sonde stated that GNACAF was committed to uniting all stakeholders in the value chain to ensure positive changes in the livestock industry.
He called for peace before, during and after the December 2024 elections.
