National Livestock Day to promote industry’s growth and development – MoFA

The Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mohammed Hardi Tuferiru, has launched ‘National Livestock Day’, a celebration promoting the country’s livestock industry and its significant contributions to food security and economic growth.

The event, organised by Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers (GNACAF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and Ministry of National Security, was launched at the MoFA Project Office in Cantonments, Accra.

The theme of National Livestock Day is ‘A thriving livestock industry toward sustainable food security and economic growth’. The Deputy Minister emphasised the livestock industry’s critical role in Ghana’s economy, noting that it plays a vital role in the livelihoods of many, especially in rural areas.

He highlighted government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the livestock industry – including initiatives to promote semi-intensive and intensive livestock farming systems, knowledge-sharing and addressing challenges such as conflicts between livestock herders and crop farmers.

The minister also invited corporate entities, businesses and other organisations to become sponsors and partners of National Livestock Day, urging them to contact the programme committee for engagement.

He highlighted the importance of supporting locally produced meat and promoting the livestock industry’s development.

National Livestock Day will be celebrated on October 3-4, 2024 at Efua Sutherland Park in Accra. The event will feature a showcase of diverse ruminant livestock breeds as well as a heavy discount on meat products for the general public.

The Deputy Minister solicited support from stakeholders to promote the growth and development of Ghana’s livestock industry, making four key requests:

*Continue supporting government’s initiatives to develop infrastructure and provide training and market access to farmers.

*Prioritise knowledge-sharing and adoption of best practices within the sector.

*Consider sponsoring or partnering with GNACAF to support growth of the livestock industry.

*Patronise locally produced meat products to promote development of the industry.

The Deputy Minister concluded by expressing his gratitude to GNACAF for organising the event and Ministry of National Security for their partnership.

National Livestock Day aims at bringing together stakeholders from across the sector to promote growth and development of the domestic livestock industry.