The Veterinary Services Department of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has instructed that all temporary livestock markets established specifically for the Islamic festival must be closed and dismantled immediately after the celebrations.
It cautioned that failure to comply could lead to enforcement actions, including the closure of unauthorized markets, confiscation where necessary and the imposition of sanctions by relevant state authorities.
“All temporary livestock markets established for the purpose of the Islamic festival must be closed and dismantled immediately after the festival activities,” the Department noted.
This comes after the Public Account Committee (PAC) called on the Greater Accra Regional Minister to take immediate steps to shut down the growing livestock market operating at Kanda near the National Mosque.
At its sitting on Thursday, May 21, Vice Chairman of the Committee, Davis Opoku Ansah raised sanitation concerns and criticised authorities for allowing the business to expand near the National mosque.
In a statement issued on May 22, the Veterinary Services Department raised concerns over the increasing spread of temporary livestock markets and unauthorized animal sale points in several cities and towns ahead of the upcoming Islamic festival.
According to the Department, while it recognises the religious and cultural importance of the celebration, all livestock trading activities must comply with established veterinary, public health, sanitation and local government regulations.
The Department stressed that many of the temporary livestock markets currently operating across the country lack proper veterinary inspection, sanitation arrangements, disease surveillance systems and approval from relevant authorities.
The Department warned that the “uncontrolled operation of such markets poses significant risks, including the spread of zoonotic and transboundary animal diseases, environmental pollution, public health threats, traffic obstruction, and security concerns.”
The directive, issued under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1961 (Act 83), empowers the Veterinary Services Department to regulate activities that may threaten animal and public health.
As part of the measures, operators of temporary livestock markets, livestock traders and the general public have been directed to strictly comply with all regulatory requirements.
The Veterinary Services Department also called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, Regional Coordinating Councils, security agencies, traditional authorities, religious leaders and livestock traders to cooperate in safeguarding public health, environmental sanitation and animal welfare.
