Public health in Ghana is at risk as veterinarians encounter significant challenges during meat inspections, according to Emmanuel Eshun, a veterinary technologist at the Veterinary Services Directorate – raising serious concerns about food safety.
The President of the Veterinary Medical Technologist Association of Ghana (VEMTAG) explained that the economic implications of meat inspection present challenges such as backlash from affected individuals who prioritize economic concerns over public health standards.
Mr Eshun indicated that when a meat inspector discovers tuberculosis (TB) in an animal valued at GHC15,000, and subsequently condemns it, significant financial losses occur.
“That leads to substantial financial loss,” resulting in “opposition from the people we are dealing with and that is one of the biggest challenges,” he told The Independent Ghana’s Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey in a yet-to-be-aired interview.
Dr. Yayra Nuapah, a veterinarian at the University of Ghana’s Veterinary School of Medicine, corroborated the risks associated with meat inspections.
“You could be maimed, or stabbed if someone should notice that you are standing in the way of his or her livelihood at the detriment of other people. So there are real challenges. So sometimes it is difficult for those who work there,” he remarked.
In 2021, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) took action to shut down an abattoir in Avenor that had operated for over two decades under increasingly unsanitary conditions. Environmental health officers informed the media that despite repeated attempts by the AMA to encourage renovations and bring the facility up to acceptable hygiene and sanitary standards, all efforts had ultimately failed.
Mr Eshun emphasizes the importance of effective communication about veterinary practices. He believes that sharing findings with the public is crucial, stating, “We must actively share our findings and demonstrate the evidence to foster public understanding.”
However, he also recognizes the reluctance to disclose certain information that could induce public fear. For instance, an outbreak of avian influenza could panic farmers and consumers, complicating veterinarians’ efforts to communicate effectively.
In addition to these concerns, Mr Eshun raised alarms about poor animal care practices prevalent in Ghana, warning that these issues contribute to the spread of zoonotic diseases—illnesses that can transfer from animals to humans.
He stated, “Insufficient animal care, including the lack of vaccinations and proper housing, fosters conditions ripe for zoonotic disease transmission.”
The role of ectoparasites—external parasites such as ticks, fleas, and mites—also plays a significant part in the spread of zoonotic diseases. Eshun explained that these parasites thrive in poorly cared-for environments and can carry harmful pathogens affecting both animals and humans. He cautioned, “Failing to maintain regular grooming and hygiene for animals increases the prevalence of ectoparasites, heightening the risk of diseases like Lyme disease and flea-borne illnesses.”
As veterinarians face threats and economic pressures in their efforts to ensure food safety, the implications for public health remain critical.
The Veterinary Service Directorate plays a crucial role in providing animal health services for the national livestock sector. Its responsibilities include promoting the growth of the livestock and poultry industries, safeguarding public health by managing animal diseases that can be transmitted to humans, alleviating the suffering of animals, and ensuring the health and safety of pets and zoological animals.
