The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr. Eric Opoku, has paid a working visit to the Ashaiman Tulaku Livestock Market, the largest livestock market in West Africa.

The visit marks the first time an Agric Minister has toured the market since its establishment in the 1960s, a development widely welcomed by traders and market leaders.

The Ashaiman Tulaku Livestock Market serves as a major hub for livestock trade in the sub-region, receiving animals from Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, Niger, and other neighbouring countries.

The market operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and plays a critical role in food security, employment creation, and the supply of animal protein across Ghana.

During the visit, Mr. Eric Opoku acknowledged the strategic importance of the market, highlighting its contribution to job creation, protein supply, and the promotion of healthy meat processing in the country.

He noted that strengthening the livestock value chain remains a key priority for the government.

The Minister recalled that President John Dramani Mahama, during the 2020 election campaign, visited the market and pledged to redevelop it.

He assured traders that the government remains committed to improving conditions at the facility.

To address immediate challenges, Mr Opoku announced the provision of 50 streetlight bulbs to enhance visibility and safety for traders working night shifts.

He also donated GHS30,000 to assist the market in hiring a payloader to clear accumulated waste, with a promise that THE government would later procure a dedicated payloader for the market.

In addition, the Minister directed a technical team from the Ministry to explore ways of processing cow dung into organic fertiliser, as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability and value addition.

He further recognised the market’s traders’ Association and recommended continuous engagement between the Association and the Ministry going forward.

The Minister also urged traders to cooperate with the Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly to allow ongoing redevelopment works at the market to proceed smoothly.

Leaders of the Ashaiman Tulaku Livestock Traders Association commended Mr. Eric Opoku for the visit, describing it as historic.

They praised him for being the first sector minister to visit the market since its inception in the 1960s, and expressed optimism that the visit would translate into lasting improvements.