The Government of Ghana has endorsed the second phase of the West Africa Livestock Marketing Support Programme (PACBAO) as part of its strategy to reduce the country’s $375 million annual meat import bill.
The four-year programme, valued at $10 million and funded by the Swiss Development Cooperation, will run from December 1, 2024, to October 31, 2028. Its focus is to strengthen the livestock value chain, improve animal health and production, and expand cross-border trade within West Africa.
The first phase of PACBAO, implemented between 2018 and 2023, recorded notable achievements in Ghana’s Northern and Upper East regions. It enhanced beef quality, improved water and feed access, strengthened veterinary services, and provided training for farmers.
The initiative also modernised the red meat trade and built stronger linkages between producers and processors.
Speaking at a knowledge-sharing workshop in Accra, Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, commended the results of the first phase, saying they had significantly raised awareness of animal quality while boosting supply and improving animal health.
“The results have been remarkable, raising awareness on animal quality, boosting supply of slaughter animals, improving animal health, and building the capacity of farmers, processors, and veterinary staff. These outcomes clearly demonstrate PACBAO’s impact. As we launch phase two, we must build on these successes,” he said.
ECOWAS Resident Representative to Ghana, Ambassador Mohammed Lawan Gana, underscored the sector’s critical role in addressing unemployment and driving growth.
He assured that ECOWAS would continue to back regional programmes like PACBAO despite ongoing security and environmental challenges.
Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland to Ghana, Togo, and Benin, Janine Walz, described PACBAO as a true partnership that unites governments, the private sector, ECOWAS, and development partners.
“Switzerland is proud to support this initiative and will stand by it until its objectives are fully achieved,” she said.
With Ghana spending hundreds of millions of dollars annually on imported meat, stakeholders see the second phase of PACBAO as a timely opportunity to boost domestic production, improve food security, and reinforce the livestock value chain for the benefit of farmers and consumers alike.
