The Government has assured traders and operators at the Turaku Cattle Market of plans to redevelop the facility and provide it with key infrastructure to improve operations and boost livestock trade.
Mr Eric Opoku, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, gave the assurance on Monday during a working visit to the market in the Kpone Katamanso District of the Greater Accra Region, where he assessed conditions on the ground and interacted with market leaders.
He said the proposed redevelopment would include the provision of a modern slaughterhouse and other essential facilities to enhance efficiency and hygiene, noting that the project was high on the Government’s agenda.
“I understand that this market never sleeps and you operate 24 hours. This industry is very important to us, and we are prioritising the development of this market to befit the status of the largest cattle market in West Africa,” Mr Opoku said.
The Minister said pictorial designs for the redevelopment were ready, adding that the facelift would position the market to fully realise its economic potential and support livelihoods along the livestock value chain.
As part of immediate interventions, Mr Opoku pledged the installation of 50 streetlights to improve security and facilitate night-time trading at the market.
He also highlighted opportunities for value addition, particularly the economic use of cow dung as raw material for organic fertiliser production, and said the Ministry would engage potential investors to explore the initiative.
Mr Opoku commended the leadership and traders for sustaining the market over the years and assured them of continued government engagement to address their concerns as part of efforts to modernise the livestock sector.
Established in the 1960s, the Turaku Cattle Market is one of two international cattle markets in Ghana and the largest livestock market in West Africa.
It serves as a major hub for livestock trade and a source of livelihood for an estimated 80,000 people, including traders, transporters, butchers and auxiliary service providers.
During the visit, Sheikh Issah Amartey, General Secretary of the Ghana National Livestock Breeders and Traders Association, outlined key interventions required to enhance business.
He appealed for the provision of a pay loader to support operations, assistance to improve infrastructure and management, and the deployment of a Market Information System to enhance price transparency and planning.
He called for strengthened animal health service delivery within the market and urged the Ministry to support the development of the livestock value chain by allowing the Association to supply livestock and livestock products for government programmes.
“These interventions will help promote a healthy, secure and prosperous cattle industry that supports livelihoods and contributes meaningfully to national economic growth,” he said.