Ghanaian Agriculture Stakeholders Call for Robust Livestock Disease Eradication and Long-Term Food Policy Reforms

Ghana’s agricultural sector is at a critical juncture as stakeholders across the country call for a more robust, long-term approach to food security and livestock health. Recent forums in Accra and Tamale have highlighted the urgent need to modernize the National Strategic Plan for eradicating Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and to establish a bipartisan food systems policy that prioritizes youth and sustainability. Together, these initiatives represent a dual-track effort to safeguard the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians who depend on the food value chain, particularly in the face of evolving climate challenges and transboundary animal diseases.

During a National Review Workshop in Accra, Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Emmanuel Allegye-Cudjoe emphasized that PPR—a highly contagious transboundary disease affecting sheep and goats—remains a critical threat to the country’s livestock sector. To combat this, experts are pushing for a revised national strategy focused on enhancing disease surveillance, diagnostic capabilities, and widespread vaccination efforts. Dr. Huyam Salih of the African Union-Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) noted that eradicating PPR is not merely a veterinary concern but a cornerstone of national economic stability, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) actively collaborating to provide the necessary support frameworks.

Complementing these technical interventions is a call for systemic policy reform. A study titled ‘Youth in Just Food Systems Transitions,’ presented by Urbanet in Tamale, revealed that while approximately 40 percent of Ghana’s youth are active in the food value chain, they continue to face significant hurdles, including wage disparities and political obstacles. The research, conducted in partnership with the INCLUDE Knowledge Platform, advocates for a long-term bipartisan food systems policy to ensure continuity across political administrations. Such a framework would promote agroecological practices and strengthen youth entrepreneurship, creating a more equitable environment for young farmers and women who are currently vulnerable to fluctuating public agricultural initiatives.

The convergence of these expert recommendations underscores a critical need for a unified national vision in Ghana’s agricultural sector. Whether through the eradication of devastating livestock diseases or the institutionalization of sustainable food policies, the path forward requires a blend of scientific rigour and political will. By addressing both the biological threats to livestock and the socio-economic barriers facing the next generation of food producers, Ghana can build a resilient food system capable of ensuring long-term prosperity and food security for all citizens.