The Upper East Region Livestock Traders have been informed of the procedures they need to follow in order to import and export livestock.
The traders received this information at the 2nd Quarter UERSC meeting which took place in Bolgatanga on May 18th 2023.
The meeting was hosted by the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of the Veterinary Services division (VSD)of the Ministry of Agriculture.
During the meeting, Mr. Eric agongo Akugre explained the procedures for transporting livestock.
He went on to explain that the main roles of the Veterinary Services Department (VSD) are to regulate and control imports and exports of animals, animals products and biological agents into and out of the country. This, in turn, protects public health by containing animal diseases that can spread to humans.
He also explained why, for instance, it is necessary to carry out an exhumation test on animals prior to transporting them from one place to another.
He said this sensitisation was prompted by complaints he had received from cattle dealers who were being accosted by the police when they were transporting animals from the north to the south.
In response to these doubts, Mr Akugre explained that import permits are issued at the border as well as movement permits. He further explained that when cattle are being moved in Ghana, they are not subject to import permit but only to movement permit. Therefore, no import permit is required for such animals.
GSA has sensitised officers at security checkpoints to expedite cargo truck inspections, especially those on trucks carrying animals, in order to help shippers meet deadlines.
Mr. Frederick Attogiyire, Branch Manager of GSA Tamale, said, “Cattle dealers should always travel with permits and other necessary documents to facilitate the procedures required by law.”
