Parliament moves to avert donkey extinction

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs has met with animal welfare advocates and representatives of Brooke West Africa to address the growing threat of donkey extinction in Ghana, citing the slaughter and illegal trade in donkey skins as major concerns.

The engagement, led by the Committee's Chairman, Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw, highlighted the importance of donkeys to rural livelihoods, agricultural transportation and food security, while raising concerns about illegal cross-border movements and the rapid depletion of donkey populations across Africa.

Donkeys under threat over high demand for skin and meat

According to the Parliament of Ghana, the Committee emphasised the need for stronger policy and regulatory measures aligned with African Union and ECOWAS commitments, including stronger border enforcement, local breeding programmes and support for donkey farmers.

Members of the Committee reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Ghana's donkey population, safeguarding rural livelihoods and preventing the possible extinction of the species.

The meeting underscored the growing concern over the demand for donkey skins, which has fuelled illegal trade and put pressure on donkeys, a key resource for many rural communities in Ghana.

The engagement brought together key stakeholders, including Brooke West Africa, an organisation working to improve the welfare of working animals, and other animal welfare advocates.

The Committee's resolve follows mounting calls for stronger regulation of the donkey trade, with advocates warning that without urgent action, the country's donkey population could be wiped out.

The Parliament of Ghana, in its post on Thursday, November 6, 2026, said the Committee "emphasised the need for stronger policy and regulatory measures in line with African Union and ECOWAS commitments, including enhanced border enforcement, local breeding programmes and support for donkey farmers."

It added that members "reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Ghana's donkey population, safeguarding rural livelihoods and preventing the possible extinction of the species."

The engagement is expected to inform parliamentary action aimed at curbing the illegal donkey skin trade and promoting the sustainable management of the country's donkey population.

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NA/BAI