The Ministry of Food and Agriculture, in partnership with the Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers have officially launched the National Livestock Day that is scheduled on October 3rd and 4th, 2024 at the Efua Sutherland Park, Accra.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has stated that livestock farming is crucial in the country as it creates jobs, provides food and nutrition, and boosts the country’s economy.
The Ministry, through the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Alhaji Hardi Tufeiru made this statement at the media launch of National Livestock Day, held at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture Project Office in Cantoment-Accra, on September 10, 2024.
The Deputy Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to prioritizing livestock farming as a key factor in its development agenda. The celebration of National Livestock Day aligns with this commitment and aims to spotlight the sector’s importance.
Speaking to Agric Today on the theme, “A Thriving Livestock Industry Towards Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security for Economic Growth,” the Deputy Minister pointed out that livestock farming is integral to the livelihoods of many Ghanaians, particularly those in rural areas who rely on it for income and sustenance.
As part of the National Livestock Day celebrations, the event will feature a diverse range of ruminant livestock breeds. There will be significant discounts on meat products available to the general public.
Hon. Tufeiru highlighted that the future prosperity of Ghana is closely linked to the growth of the livestock sector, which plays a pivotal role in boosting the national economy.
He encouraged corporate entities, businesses, and other organizations to participate as sponsors and partners in this important event.
Dr. Doris Yaa Osei, the Acting Deputy Director of the CSIR-Animal Research Institute, echoed the Deputy Minister’s sentiments. She emphasized that the livestock sector is essential to the country’s development, contributing 4.9 billion Ghana Cedis to the GDP in 2022.
Dr. Yaa Osei said the benefits of livestock extend beyond food and nutrition security; they also include valuable by-products such as manure for crop farming and hides for manufacturing footwear and bags.
She affirms the CSIR-Animal Research Institute’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers, and other stakeholders in the livestock value chain.
The goal is to achieve national self-sufficiency in food and nutritional security while generating income through improved and sustainable livestock production practices.
The Deputy Director of the Animal Production Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture Dr. Abdul Razak Okine spoke on the directorate’s objectives.
He stated that the directorate is committed to creating an enabling environment for the livestock sector to thrive in Ghana.
As part of this commitment, they plan to embark on a nationwide tour to gather input from livestock farmers, processors, and other stakeholders involved in the livestock value chain.
Dr. Okine reiterated the importance of the exhibition, which will be held on October 3rd and 4th, 2024, and expressed the positive impact that the event will have on the sector.
