The Ashanti Regional Chief Butcher, Chief Ibrahim Wahab Tikuma, is calling for the modernization of the Kumasi Abattoir to meet international standards, emphasizing its potential to boost Ghana's economy, create jobs, and support the government’s 24-hour economy initiative.
Chief Tikuma highlighted the historical importance of the Kumasi Abattoir, established in 1957 by Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. While acknowledging some improvements over the years, including efforts by former President Jerry John Rawlings, he stressed the need for significant upgrades to unlock the facility’s full economic potential.
“The Kumasi Abattoir has been here since independence. It's still a viable facility, but it needs a significant upgrade to compete internationally and fully benefit the country,” he said in an exclusive interview.
Economic Potential and Global Comparisons
The Chief Butcher underscored the economic significance of the meat industry, revealing that in 2023/2024, Ghana earned $6 million from cattle intestines alone. He compared this to Australia, which generates $50 billion annually from meat production, attributing the disparity to the prioritization of the meat industry in developed nations. He believes that a modernized Kumasi Abattoir could help Ghana bridge this gap and maximize its resources.
In 2024, Chief Tikuma’s outfit submitted a draft proposal to former President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), urging them to include their vision for the Kumasi Abattoir in their manifesto. With the NDC’s recent electoral victory, he is optimistic about the proposal’s implementation.
Challenges Facing Butchers
Chief Tikuma also highlighted the difficulties butchers face due to the fluctuating Ghanaian cedi, which significantly increases the cost of importing cattle from neighboring countries like Mali and Burkina Faso. He lamented, “We are suffering and running at a loss because we have to convert large sums of cedis into foreign currency to import cattle.”
He urged the government to negotiate with Burkina Faso and Mali for reduced cattle prices and to provide subsidies on imported cattle. Such measures, he argued, would alleviate financial burdens on butchers, foster stronger bilateral relationships, and bolster the local economy.
Linking the Upgrade to the 24-Hour Economy
The Chief Butcher sees the modernization of the Kumasi Abattoir as a critical element of the government’s 24-hour economy initiative. He envisions an upgraded facility that not only enhances meat production but also creates a comprehensive ecosystem supporting job creation, reducing rural-urban migration, fostering international trade, and contributing significantly to Ghana’s economic growth.
A Call to Action
Chief Tikuma’s appeal is a clarion call to the government and stakeholders to invest in the Kumasi Abattoir. As Ghana seeks new avenues for economic expansion, the meat industry, with the right investments, could become a major driver of growth and development.