Ghana is implementing a significant initiative to address its $375 million annual meat import expenditure through the introduction of a $10 million livestock development program. This program is designed to enhance local production capabilities and strengthen regional trade networks. Supported by the Swiss Development Cooperation, this initiative constitutes the second phase of the West Africa Livestock Marketing Support Program and is set to run from December 2024 to October 2028.
This program builds upon the achievements of its initial phase, which successfully transformed cattle production in the Northern and Upper East regions. The current initiative aims to modernize the livestock value chain, improve veterinary services, and expand cross-border trade opportunities. Eric Opoku, the Minister of Agriculture, characterized the impact of the program as “transformative,” noting the improvements in beef quality, feed and water supply, and animal health that have already commenced in reshaping Ghana’s livestock sector.
The program relies on robust partnerships among government entities, private investors, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and international development organizations. Mohammed Lawan Gana, ECOWAS Resident Representative, underscored the initiative’s potential to reduce unemployment while fostering regional economic growth. Janine Walz, Switzerland’s Deputy Head of Mission, commended the collaboration as a paradigm of effective international cooperation and reaffirmed her country’s enduring commitment to the endeavor.
This strategy extends beyond boosting production to encompass the reinforcement of the entire livestock value chain, including farmer training, facility upgrades, expanded veterinary care, and improved market access. By integrating these components, the program aims to position Ghana not only to decrease costly imports but also to emerge as a significant player in West Africa’s livestock trade.
In light of the growing emphasis on food security as a critical global concern, this program arrives at a pivotal juncture. Its successful implementation could lead to the transformation of rural livelihoods, the conservation of foreign exchange, and the establishment of Ghana as a model for agricultural self-sufficiency throughout the region. Stakeholders assert that this $10 million investment has the potential to generate a ripple effect that could redefine the livestock economy in West Africa.
