Behind the Scenes: How safe is the meat you consume?

Behind the scenes of Ghana’s meat industry is a story of resilience and neglect. All across the country, much is put in to ensure you have your meat on the table. But how safe is the consumer?

In this report, 3news, visits the Whindo Slaughter House which serves Takoradi and its environs.

Deep within Whindo in the Effia Kwesimintsim Municipality of the Western Region lies a tale of two worlds at the bustling Whindo slaughterhouse.

On one hand, dedicated butchers diligently prepare meat for the market, adhering to a cross between traditional practices passed down through generations and the modern.

On the other hand, the facility itself telling the story of neglect and disrepair, raising alarming concerns about food safety and worker welfare.

we witness animals being slaughtered on the bare ground, and carcasses being skinned on questionable platforms.

The environment is far from ideal. Fortunately, water is not a challenge. But It’s a stark contrast to the modern meat processing facility that was envisioned when the slaughterhouse was commissioned in 2016.

Equipped with a gas station, it was designed to replace the dangerous practice of using car tires for meat processing.

Unfortunately, years of neglect have left the facility in disrepair. The butchers are now forced to rely on smaller, less efficient gas cylinders, which are further compromised by the open-air operating conditions, significantly reducing productivity.

Baricular Frederick noted, “We’re using gas, but the area is uncovered, which is a problem. Ideally, it should be enclosed to prevent excessive gas consumption. However, due to the open space, we’re not utilizing the gas efficiently as intended.”

Albert Tambil, a slaughterhouse worker, expressed frustration, saying: “We were promised that they would cover this area to protect our flares from the wind, but so far, nothing has been done. Additionally, our roofing sheets are torn, and most of the gutters are clogged, which is causing further problems.”

Attached to the slaughterhouse is the Effia Kwesimintsim Municipal Veterinary Officer of the Effia Kwesimintsim Assembly, Alan Abeiku Ampa.

“Our role here is to ensure the overall health and safety of the animals. We inspect each animal to guarantee it’s fit for human consumption. Even after passing inspection, we verify that the animal is slaughtered properly. We also check for any diseases and take necessary precautions”.

“Our oversight doesn’t stop there. We ensure the meat meets all required standards, including proper transportation to market in suitable vehicles. Additionally, we conduct inspections at the market to verify the meat’s condition before it reaches the final consumer.”

We also speak to Joseph Ayambil, EKMA’s Environmental Health Officer, who demonstrates the meat stamping process. The stamp serves as a guarantee that the meat meets required standards and is certified safe for consumption.

“We want to assure the public that the meat sold at our market stalls is genuine and of high quality. The stamp on the meat indicates that it meets the required standards, from the slaughterhouse to the market. Only meat that passes our quality checks receives this stamp, guaranteeing authenticity and excellence.”

But the abattoir’s environment also needs shaping up.

“We are dissatisfied with the current state of affairs here, but we are working diligently to improve cleanliness. Although the butchers have taken over management of the facility, we are providing support to help them maintain a clean environment.” Joseph Ayambil lament.

The Deputy Butcher, Abdullah Nji, is frustrated with the facility’s maintenance, or lack thereof.

 

“We urgently need government assistance to rehabilitate this slaughterhouse, which has deteriorated due to lack of support from the previous administration. We are appealing to the current government to help us revamp and restore this critical facility.”

As we conclude our visit, we’re left with a sense of unease. The Whindo slaughterhouse is a microcosm of Ghana’s broader meat industry, where resilience and resourcefulness are pitted against neglect and adversity.

It’s a story that demands attention, and begs the question: what does the future hold for Ghana’s meat industry?

By Ebenezer Atiemo

The post Behind the Scenes: How safe is the meat you consume? first appeared on 3News.

Read Full Story