The Veterinary Services Directorate (VSD) has refuted allegations that it has reached an agreement with a third party to import large amounts of pork from the United States.
A statement signed by the Director of VSD, Dr Patrick Abakeh, explained that the Directorate requested certification for meat and poultry healthiness intended for export to Ghana from veterinary medical officers in the United States.
The statement said the Ministry of Food Agriculture under which the VSD operates, “categorically denies the validity of the allegation as it has not signed any such agreement with any party. For clarity, the Veterinary Services Directorate (VSD) of MoFA has on record, a request from Dr Charmaine McJee, Veterinary Medical Officer, Export Development of FSISUSDA, Washington for Certification for Meat and Poultry Wholesomeness intended to be exported to Ghana which was granted following laboratory analysis of samples.”
It added that it was VSD’s obligation to provide the requested services professionally and in accordance with the ethics of the organization for World Animal Health, of which Ghana is a member.
“Rather, unfortunately, the VSD legal mandate has been misconstrued. We, therefore, take this opportunity to assure the general public that no agreement has been signed between the Ministry and any party for the unbridled importation of pork to flood the Ghanaian market,” it stated.
The statement assured Ghanaian pig farmers that Ministry would never undermine their efforts or limit their market opportunities.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
