Cattle shortage hits Kumasi abattoir 

The ban on export of cattle from Burkina Faso to Ghana by the Burkinabe government is having severe impact in meat production and sale at the Kumasi abattoir.

Butchers and cattle dealers at the abattoir are lamenting on the blockade, which has resulted in shortage of cattle and thereby affecting the price of meat in the abattoir and other sales points of cattle meat and other products.

According to officials of the Kumasi abattoir, the ban was steadily impacting on revenue mobilisation at the company and reducing the volume of meat available for processing and consumption in the Kumasi metropolis and surrounding communities, a situation they say requires urgent attention.

Mr Wahab Ibrahim Tikuma, Chief Butcher at the abattoir and Vice President of the Butchers Association, speaking to the Ghana News Agency, confirmed the issue and said butchers have not received cattle in their kraal for over a month now.

He noted that, Ghana's neighboring countries contributed approximately sixty percent of the cattle meat consumed in Ghana, with Burkina Faso serving as the primary and largest supplier.

He explained that the Kumasi Abattoir, which served as a vital meat distribution hub for the Ashanti Region and beyond, was currently operating far below its standard production capacity.

Mr Tikuma, pointed out that, the prolonged border closure for cattle export from Burkina Faso, would have dire consequences for consumers, butchers, and cattle dealers alike.

Alhaji Mohammed Baba Berre, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of Livestock Dealers, appealed to the government of Ghana to urgently engage with the President of Burkina Faso, to reopen the border, and thereby facilitate the free movement of cattle into the country.

He warned that if the issue was not resolved before the Christmas festivities, meat prices will soar, making it difficult for ordinary Ghanaians to enjoy the celebrations.

He added that many butchers were already struggling to sustain their businesses, and some might be forced to close down if the shortage persisted.

Alhaji Berre, noted that, the proliferation of unauthorised kraals outside the facility was severely impacting the abattoir’s revenue targets.

GNA