FAO equips Ghana's veterinary and animal health sector

The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has announced that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has significantly strengthened Ghana’s veterinary services through a major package of logistical, digital, and laboratory support.

In a post shared on his official page, the Minister disclosed that the support is aimed at improving animal health delivery and expanding veterinary outreach to hard-to-reach communities across the country.

According to him, the intervention includes a fleet of 20 Toyota Hilux four-wheel-drive pickup vehicles and 261 motorcycles to enhance field mobility for veterinary officers.

“The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has significantly enhanced the government's veterinary services through a substantial provision of essential resources,” he stated.

He added that the vehicles will play a critical role in extending veterinary care to remote areas, improving disease surveillance and response capacity.

To strengthen diagnostic and administrative systems, the FAO has also provided 115 laptop computers, 110 tablet devices, and 90 desktop computers to support data management and field operations.

“The support includes a fleet of 20 Toyota Hilux four-wheel-drive pickup vehicles and 261 motorcycles, crucial for extending the reach of veterinary care to remote areas,” the Minister noted.

In addition, the package includes laboratory reagents, diagnostic kits, field sampling materials, and personal protective equipment for veterinary personnel to enhance disease detection and biosecurity measures.

He further revealed that six veterinary laboratories across the country are currently undergoing rehabilitation to improve their operational capacity and service delivery.

“Furthermore, the support encompasses vital laboratory supplies such as reagents and diagnostic kits, alongside field sampling materials and personal protective equipment for veterinary personnel,” he added.

The Minister expressed appreciation for the FAO’s continued partnership, describing the intervention as a significant boost to Ghana’s animal health and food security systems.