Ghana backs ECOWAS livestock initiative to cut meat import
The Government has endorsed the second phase of the West Africa Livestock Marketing Support Programme (PACBAO), an ECOWAS initiative aimed at strengthening the livestock value chain, boosting cross-border trade, and reducing the country’s heavy reliance on imported meat.
Ghana currently spends around USD375 million annually on meat imports, a cost the government aims to cut through local value chain interventions and regional collaboration.
Phase Two of PACBAO, funded by the Swiss Development Cooperation, will run from 1 December 2024 to 31 October 2028. It builds on the successes of the first phase, which was implemented from 2018 to 2023.
Speaking at a knowledge-sharing workshop in Accra, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr Eric Opoku, praised PACBAO’s achievements during its initial phase and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the USD10 million programme.
“This vision aligns perfectly with the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy and the objectives of PACBAO. Ghana is proud to have contributed to the successful implementation of Phase One. The Ghana Development Communities Association, with ECOWAS support, intensified quality slaughter animal production in the Northern and Upper East regions,” Mr Opoku stated.
He further highlighted the tangible results delivered under Phase One, including increased awareness of animal quality, improved feed and water resources, enhanced supply of quality slaughter animals, a reduction in livestock diseases, and better animal health services.
The programme also built the capacity of farmers, traders, processors, veterinary staff, and community animal health workers, strengthening the livestock value chain from production to market.
“As we launch Phase Two, we must build on these achievements to reduce Ghana’s meat import bill and create sustainable livelihoods for our people,” the Minister stressed.
ECOWAS Resident Representative to Ghana, Ambassador Mohammed Lawan Gana, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to addressing the persistent challenges facing the livestock sector across West Africa.
“The ECOWAS Agricultural Policy transcends borders. The livestock sector holds enormous potential for employment, particularly for young people. Despite security and environmental challenges, ECOWAS remains committed to supporting initiatives like PACBAO that promote livestock and animal farming,” Ambassador Gana said.
The Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland to Ghana, Togo and Benin, Ms Janine Walz, underscored Switzerland’s long-standing support for the programme.
“PACBAO is a true partnership uniting governments, ECOWAS, the private sector, and development partners. Switzerland is proud to support this effort, and we will stand by it until the objectives are achieved,” she noted.
Phase Two of PACBAO is expected to focus on deepening livestock market integration across West Africa, improving infrastructure and logistics, and encouraging private sector investment in animal production and processing.
