The Government of Ghana has endorsed the second phase of the West Africa Livestock Marketing Support Programme (PACBAO) in a bid to cut the country’s $375 million annual meat import bill.
Funded by the Swiss Development Cooperation, the initiative seeks to strengthen the livestock value chain and boost cross-border trade. Phase two is scheduled to run from December 1, 2024 until October 31, 2028.
The first phase, implemented between 2018 and 2023, enhanced quality beef production, modernised the red meat trade, and fostered stronger business linkages across the livestock sector.
Speaking at a knowledge-sharing workshop organised by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission in Accra, Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, praised PACBAO’s impact in Ghana and reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting the $10 million programme.
“This vision aligns perfectly with the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy and the objectives of PACBAO. Ghana is proud to have contributed to the successful implementation of phase one. The Ghana Development Communities Association, with ECOWAS support, has intensified quality slaughter animal production in the Northern and Upper East regions.”
“The results have been remarkable—raising awareness on animal quality improvement, enhancing feed and water resources, boosting supply of quality slaughter animals, reducing livestock diseases, improving animal health, and building the capacity of farmers, traders, processors, veterinary staff, and community animal health workers. These outcomes testify to PACBAO’s impact in strengthening the livestock value chain. As we launch phase two, we must build on these achievements,” he said.
ECOWAS Resident Representative to Ghana, Ambassador Mohammed Lawan Gana, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to tackling challenges in West Africa’s livestock sector.
“As we know, the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy transcends borders across West Africa. The livestock sector holds enormous potential for employment, especially for young people. Despite security and environmental challenges, ECOWAS remains committed to supporting initiatives like PACBAO that promote livestock and animal farming,” he noted.
Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland to Ghana, Togo, and Benin, Janine Walz, described PACBAO as a true partnership uniting governments, ECOWAS, the private sector, and development partners.
“Switzerland is proud to support this effort, and we will stand by it until the objectives are achieved,” she added.
