The attention of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has been drawn to publications in the print and electronic media to the effect that some stakeholders in the domestic piggery industry are threatening legal action against the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), should it fail to disclose detailed information about a purported agreement signed between the Ministry and a party for the importation of large quantities of pork from the United States.
MoFA 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 should be noted that, it is an obligation of VSD to render the requested services professionally in accordance with ethics of the Organization of World Animal Health (O.W.A.H) for 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 and to undermine the efforts and narrow market opportunities of the Ghanaian pig farmer.
*Signed*
Director,
Veterinary Services Ministry of Food and Agriculture