Ghana is yet to identify the enormous economic and social benefits of the livestock sector
The Ghana Developing Communities Association (GDCA) in partnership with Gushegu Municipal Assembly, has cut the sod for the construction of a modern livestock market with auxiliary facilities in Gushegu in the Northern region.
It is being executed through GDCA Community Life Improvement Programme with funding support from the Acting for Life.
The market project, which is projected to cost GH¢511, 184.28, would boost livestock production and trade along the Eastern Corridor of Ghana when
completed.
Dr. Al-Hassan Osman, the Chairman of GDCA, speaking at the groundbreaking event in Gushegu, said construction of the market is part of the Project to
Support Livestock Mobility for Better Access to Resources and Markets in West Africa (PAMOBARMA).
PAMOBARMA is being implemented by GDCA and it seeks to protect mobility of herds and their access to pastoral resources and markets.
The Gushegu Municipality is rated as a strategic livestock production and marketing zone in the Eastern Corridor, where multiple actors in the livestock value chain converge to do business.
The groundbreaking ceremony is therefore seen as a major boost to livestock trade as it would help find sustainable market for local farmers and raise their income levels.
Dr. Osman said the market would have facilities and space for livestock producers, veterinary operatives, brokers among others to improve livelihoods.
He said Ghana is yet to identify the enormous economic and social benefits of the livestock sector and take steps to harness its full potential.
“This is evident in the country’s lack of well-coordinated systems to manage transhumance activities in the country,” he added.
He called on stakeholders to put in place measures to address the challenges facing producers and marketers to help boost Ghana’s economic growth.
Mr. Mustapha Zakaria, the Head of Agricultural Department at GMA, was confident the facility would be positioned as one of the major sources of revenue for the Assembly.
Mr. Musah Issah, the Gushegu Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), commended the GDCA and donor partners for the initiative, and pledged the Assembly’s
commitment to facilitate construction of the market.
Naa Yaba Gushe-Naa Abdulai Mahamudu Shitobu II, the Chief of Gushegu Traditional Area, expressed gratitude to GDCA for the intervention and advised those who would manage the facility to ensure it is kept in good condition.
