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RADP / Pulse Ghana  >  news  >  business

Ghanaians are not eating pork because of swine fever

Magdalene Teiko Larnyoh

Over 400 pigs have been killed between May and June this year in the Ashanti Region alone.

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These regions are Greater Accra, Eastern, Volta and Ashanti.

The infected pigs have been killed to prevent a further spread of swine fever.

READ ALSO: Swine fever hits Ashanti Region, 400 pigs killed

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The National Director for Veterinary Services Department Dr Kenneth Gbeddy explained that they killed the infected pigs because the fever has no cure.

He added that they disinfect the infected areas to prevent any further spread.

“There is no treatment and no vaccine to protect against it…so the only option is to destroy and then clean and disinfect the place.”

READ ALSO:  This is why many Ghanaians do not patronise insurance packages

“It has been identified in other parts of the country. We are trying as much as possible to keep it from spreading,” Dr Gbeddy added.

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This may cause a decrease in the sale of pork.

A pork seller, Ayeley Hammond who sells around Mamprobi in the Greater Accra region said even though she is worried about her business she hopes the stakeholders are able to curb the situation.

“This is what I have been selling for over 10 years. I pray the infection does not destroy my business. When such things happen, it reduces patronage and also decreases my income. Something must be done about it.”

Another trader who sells her pork at Wato near the Head office of the Ghana Post in Accra-Central said her sales has dropped drastically for over a month.

"I thought it was because of the ban on noise making. But even after it was lifted business is not picking up. I used to make an average of GHC 500 every night but now I make between GHC 150 and GHC 200 every night. Something must be done to save our businesses."

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However, some customers who enjoy pork say this will not stop them from eating it.

“I believe they will not allow infected pigs to be sold on the market. Nobody can be that wicked so I will continue eating my pork, but in smaller quantities” Kofi Kwakye said.

“As for pork, it is part of my daily meal. I can’t go a day without it. This flu will not kill me. I will still buy,” Hannah Tetteh said.

However, there are some sceptical customers who say they will suspend the purchase and consumption of pork until they are certain the flu is no more.

"I am on break until the swine flu goes on break," Adei Laryea said.

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Steven Sackey added that "I am still young. I have a lot to achieve, I can't afford to fall ill or die now. I will stay away from consuming pork for now. I will only enjoy more pork after I hear or see an official announcement that the flu is no more."

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Magdalene Teiko Larnyoh Magdalene Teiko Larnyoh A feminist at heart and a lover of art. She loves to write on business, politics and health.

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