Mrs Dapaah(fith from right) interacting with the butchers. standing with her is Dr Kikimoto,(first from left)
Butchers who fail to observe proper meat inspection procedures may face up to three-months imprisonment or a fine of 1,200 penalty units equivalent to GH¢14,400 or both.
Dr Bashiru Boi Kikimoto, the Head of Public Health, Veterinary Services of Ghana said punishment for non-compliance with the procedure would be spelt out in a draft meat inspection legislation (L.I Public Health Act 851).
The veterinarian said this when he and the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Mrs Cecilia Abena Dapaah inspected meat shops and food stuff at the Mallam Attah Market in Accra yesterday.
He said the butchers, also known as meat cutters must ensure that animals are examined by a veterinary officer before and after slaughtering.
Dr Kikimoto told journalists that meat must be stamped before it was taken to the market, adding that a meat without stamp is unwholesome for consumption.
He said his outfit, together with officials of the Sanitation Ministry would, from next week, begin a nationwide inspection of the four abattoirs and 334 slaughter houses to ensure the safety of meat.
He cautioned Ghanaians not to buy meat without veterinary stamps and report to the environmental health officer in the area for seizure of the meat.
The medical officer said his checks at slaughter houses during Christmas revealed some slaughter houses were untidy.
He noted that it was the responsibility of the service to ensure the people do not die from consuming unhealthy meat and that those found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Dr Kikimoto observed that there are about 4,198 diseases and that 3,558 of them come from animals and unwholesome meat.
Mrs Dapaah advised food vendors, and others who sell fruits and vegetables to keep their surroundings tidy.
She cautioned shop owners along the Newtown-Kwame Nkrumah road not to display items on pavements and drains.
The sector minister asked Alhaji Hassan Salih, Ayawaso sub-metro chairman to arrest and prosecute persons who flouted sanitation by-laws to deter others.
Mrs Dapaah noted that sanitation was a shared responsibility and urged the people to support the course of making Accra the cleanest city in Africa.
Currently, there are 334 slaughter houses in Ghana, four abattoirs; two in Accra, and one each in Kumasi and Ho.
BY MALIK SULLEMANA
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