Ghana Endorses Phase Two of ECOWAS Livestock Programme to Boost Meat Production and Trade

Ghana has officially endorsed the second phase of the West Africa Livestock Marketing Support Programme (PACBAO), aiming to strengthen the livestock value chain and reduce the country’s $375 million annual meat import bill. Funded by the Swiss Development Cooperation, the programme seeks to modernize meat production and enhance cross-border livestock trade across the West African region. Phase two is set to run from December 1, 2024, to October 31, 2028.

The first phase of PACBAO, implemented between 2018 and 2023, delivered significant results for Ghana’s livestock sector. It improved quality beef production, modernized the red meat trade, and fostered stronger business linkages between farmers, traders, processors, and veterinary professionals. These efforts helped reduce livestock diseases, boost animal health, and improve access to feed and water resources in key regions such as the Northern and Upper East areas.

Speaking at an ECOWAS knowledge-sharing workshop in Accra, Ghana’s Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, highlighted the programme’s achievements. He emphasized that PACBAO’s success reflects Ghana’s commitment to the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy and praised the positive impact on farmers, traders, and community animal health workers. “As we launch phase two, we must build on these achievements to further strengthen the livestock value chain,” he said.

ECOWAS Resident Representative to Ghana, Ambassador Mohammed Lawan Gana, reaffirmed the organisation’s support for initiatives that address the region’s livestock challenges. He noted that the sector holds enormous employment potential, particularly for young people, and praised PACBAO for promoting sustainable livestock and animal farming despite environmental and security challenges in West Africa.

Janine Walz, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland to Ghana, Togo, and Benin, described PACBAO as a model partnership uniting governments, ECOWAS, the private sector, and development partners. “Switzerland is proud to support this initiative, and we will remain committed until its objectives are fully achieved,” she stated, underscoring the international support behind the programme’s second phase.

source: citi newsroom