Tamale – A critical forum was recently held in Tamale, aiming to engage government and key stakeholders in the donkey value chain. The primary focus of the event was to combat the growing threat of the donkey hide trade in the country, which is leading to a potential extinction of donkeys.
According to Ghana News Agency, Donyaepa and the Ghana National Poultry Network Association (GAPNET), the forum was part of the Fight Against Donkey Extinction (FADE) Ghana project. The meeting brought together representatives from various regions such as Northern, Upper East, Upper West, North East, and Savannah. Attendees included members from Municipal and District Assemblies, Department of Veterinary Services, and stakeholders of the Donkey Value Chain Network.
The FADE project, funded by Brooke UK through Brooke West Africa Dakar Senegal, focuses on curtailing the illegal mass slaughter of donkeys for their hides, primarily for export to China. Professor Roger Adamu Lure Kanton, National Advocacy Officer of the FADE project, highlighted the critical role of donkeys in agriculture and socio-economic activities. He emphasized the urgency of legislative support to protect the species, noting that, despite shutting down several slaughterhouses in the North East Region, the threat persists.
Mr. Mohammed Awal Fuseini, Vice Chairman of the Donkey Value Chain Operators in the Bongo District, underscored the negative impact of the indiscriminate slaughter on rural, especially female, farmers who depend on donkeys for their livelihoods. He called for more research into donkey breeding to aid farmers in selecting suitable breeds.
Dr. John Akwasi Ohemeng, the North East Regional Director of Veterinary Services, advised farmers against the mistreatment of donkeys. The participants proposed various measures, including the enactment of by-laws to regulate donkey rearing and slaughtering, promoting donkey farming for tourism, researching donkeys' nutritional value, and recognizing the best donkey farmer during the National Farmers' Day celebrations.