Kpone katamanso: 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 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.
According to Ghana News Agency, the proposed redevelopment will include the provision of a modern slaughterhouse and other essential facilities to enhance efficiency and hygiene. Mr Opoku emphasized that the project is high on the Government's agenda. He acknowledged the market's continuous operation and its significance to the livestock industry, highlighting plans to elevate the market's status as the largest cattle market in West Africa.
The Minister shared that pictorial designs for the redevelopment are ready, aiming to position the market to fully realize its economic potential and support livelihoods along the livestock value chain. As an immediate measure, Mr Opoku pledged the installation of 50 streetlights to improve security and facilitate night-time trading at the market.
He also noted opportunities for value addition, particularly the use of cow dung as raw material for organic fertiliser production, and mentioned that the Ministry would engage potential investors to explore this 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 modernize 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 also 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.