The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, has disclosed that his outfit will assist butchers in the treatment and rehabilitation of the country’s abattoirs.

The abattoirs are currently in bad state. This, he said, was the only way to make the business more attractive and safe, since there was the need to modernize its work practice.

According to him, his ministry would work closely with the executives of the National Co-operative Butchers and Small Scale Livestock’s Owners Association in coming out with educational programmers to train its members on the most hygienic practices.

Mr. Ofosu-Ampofo said this when the association executives from the region held discussions with him concerning challenges facing the meat business in Accra. “The ministry will support them as social partners in the quest for a better Ghana,” he said, reiterating the “need to maintain a certain level of minimum hygiene in their areas of operation.”

The minister asked the association to register its members and provide them with ID cards for easy identification. He also entreated the butchers to desist from using burnt lorry tyres to singe the slaughtered animals since it was harmful for human consumption. “This is the time you have to seek professional advice from the veterinary officers to enhance abattoir operations in the country,” he stressed.

He explained that he would soon be visiting regional coordinators of the various District Assemblies to see how best to help improve their operations.

He encouraged the executives to team up with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to help improve conditions of the abattoirs and provide basic facilities for its members. “This will go a long way to deepen your existing relationship. Your job is a dignified work, and you have to seek advice from scientific advisers to improve your lot,” he stated.

He assured the association that he would take up the challenges with the appropriate authorities for resolution of the same. Alhaji Zakari Sofo, president of the association, thanked the minister for the warm reception accorded them and appealed to him to intervene in addressing their challenges.

Mr. Zakari Sofo, who also doubles as the chief butcher of the Greater Accra Region, pleaded with the minister to assist in providing them with mobile meat vans to enable them to transport meat from the abattoirs to the various market places in the country.