Butchers still operate at demolished abattoir

Accra, Dec. 27, GNA - Butchers continue to operate at the demolished slaughterhouse in Accra despite its closure by the Accra Metropolitan Authority (AMA) due to the unsanitary conditions there.

A survey conducted by the Ghana News Agency revealed that some recalcitrant butchers have taken advantage of a flourishing livestock (sheep and goats) market in the area to do brisk business.

The butchers, who are guarded by young men aged between 18 and 30, conceal knives in their dresses around their waists and pockets and swiftly slaughter animals brought to them by clients. They promptly smoke and dress the animals while the owners wait.

"We do this to earn a living," said Rabiew, a young butcher who refused to disclose his full identity. "We charge between 10,000 cedis and 15,000 cedis, depending on the size of the animal," he said. At the sheep and goat market along the Korle Lagoon, near the old abattoir, goats sell between 50,000 cedis and 70,000 cedis.

All attempts to talk to the Chief Butcher at the meat market, near the Fire Service Training School, proved futile. It was, however observed that beef being sold at the market bore the certified stamp of the Veterinary Services Department, indicating that the cow was slaughtered at the New Abattoir.