The Veterinary Services Department of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) has raised concerns over the increasing number of unauthorized temporary livestock markets springing up across several cities and towns ahead of the upcoming Islamic festival.
In a press release dated May 22, 2026, the Department acknowledged the cultural and religious importance of the festival but stressed that all livestock trading activities must comply with veterinary, public health, environmental sanitation, and local government regulations.
According to the statement, many temporary animal sale points are operating without veterinary inspection, approved sanitation measures, biosecurity systems, or authorization from the appropriate authorities.
The Department warned that the uncontrolled operation of such markets poses serious risks, including the spread of zoonotic and transboundary animal diseases, environmental pollution, public health threats, traffic congestion, and security concerns.
The directive, issued under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1961 (Act 83), empowers the Veterinary Services Department to regulate activities that may threaten animal and public health.
As a result, operators of temporary livestock markets, livestock traders, and the public have been advised to strictly comply with all regulatory requirements.
The Department further directed that all temporary livestock markets established for the Islamic festival must be closed and dismantled immediately after the festivities.
MOFA cautioned that failure to comply could lead to enforcement actions, including the closure of unauthorized markets, confiscation of animals where necessary, and other sanctions by relevant state authorities.
The Department also appealed to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), Regional Coordinating Councils, security agencies, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and livestock traders to cooperate in protecting public health, animal health, environmental sanitation, and public safety.
The statement was signed by Dr. Emmanuel Allegye-Cudjoe, Acting Chief Veterinary Officer, for the Minister of Food and Agriculture.
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