Govt to redevelop Ashaiman Cattle Market into international standard facility – Agric Minister

The government has announced plans to redevelop the Cattle and Livestock Market at Tulaku in Ashaiman, within the Kpone Katamanso Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, into a model cattle market of international standard.

The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr Eric Opoku, disclosed this when he met members of the Ghana National Livestock Breeders and Traders Association (GLIBTA), operators of the Tulaku Cattle Market, on Monday.

He said the redeveloped facility would feature a modern abattoir, designated watering and feeding areas, a security post, offices, washrooms, canteens, as well as resting facilities for transit drivers and visitors.

Mr Opoku noted that the market, which was constructed in 1974, has not undergone any major facelift and currently operates as an open space where livestock are kept under unhygienic conditions, without proper feeding and watering points or a modern abattoir.

He explained that feasibility studies for the redevelopment had been completed and a site plan prepared, adding that the only outstanding issue was the commencement date for the project.

“The redevelopment of this market was a promise President John Dramani Mahama made to the association during his 2024 campaign tour of the area. That promise to transform the market into a model cattle market in the sub-region will be fulfilled,” the minister assured.

The visit followed a petition submitted by GLIBTA, appealing for government intervention to improve the current state of the market.

The General Secretary of the Association, Sheikh Issa Amartey, said the market, which has existed since the 1960s, is one of only two international cattle markets in the country, through which large volumes of cattle pass to meet national meat consumption needs and the demand for improved breeds.

He noted that since the market was relocated to its present site in 1988, it has seen no significant improvement, despite being a major supplier of cattle nationwide.

Sheikh Amartey further highlighted challenges confronting the facility, including animal and public health risks arising from poor environmental conditions, an inadequate mini slaughter slab, poorly located watering points, and security concerns for both humans and animals.

He commended the minister for honouring the association’s invitation, noting that he was the first Minister of Food and Agriculture in many years to visit the market. He appealed for the provision of a pay-loader, improved market infrastructure, support for the livestock value chain, deployment of market information systems, and strengthened animal health services to boost the industry.

In response, Mr Opoku said the redevelopment would align with the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy. As an immediate intervention, he directed the release of 50 streetlights to enhance security, GH¢30,000 to support the completion of the abattoir, and a tricycle for refuse collection to improve sanitation.

He added that the ministry would collaborate with organic fertiliser producers to convert animal waste into useful products for farmers, and commended the District Police Command for maintaining peace and order in the area.

The Municipal Chief Executive of Kpone Katamanso, Mr Samuel I.K. Morton, described the Tulaku market as the largest cattle market in West Africa, noting that it supplies Ghanaian breeds to Nigeria, Togo, Benin and Mali. He urged members of the association to remain calm as efforts continue to redevelop the facility.

BY LAWRENCE VOMAFA-AKPALU

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