The Ghana Veterinary Medical Students’Association in the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (GVMSA-KNUST) has cautioned Ghanaians to be c vigilant when purchasing meat for consumption during the Christmas season.
Their call comes at the back of numerous concerns raised by Health experts on a number of unwholesome meats imported into the country.
In a communique by GVMSA-KNUST copied to Rawgist.com, illegal importation of animal products had become a major threat to the consuming public, for which reason the Association was providing education to Ghanaians.
According to the Medical Association, a greater percentage of meats is illegally shipped into the country which may be carrying zoonotic diseases, caused by a range of disease pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites that can be transferred from animals to humans which is detrimental to Health.
“Some are also dosed with growth promoters which withdrawal period might not be due, but for money at the expense of human lives, are sold to the consumers,” the statement points out.
Figures showed that in 2017, a total of over 135,000Mt (about 112 million birds) of frozen chicken was imported from European Union (EU), which is 76 per cent increase over the 2016 EU import.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 3,558 out of 4,198 deadly diseases in the world were transmitted from animal sources.
Speaking in an interview with Rawgist.com, president of GVMSA-KNUST, Joshua Dipuutey explained that, ”People move animals from neighbouring countries into Ghana through dubious means. These animals most the times carry diseases which can be transmitted to human beings and even other animals. Since this is a festive season, people will bring in a lot of animals to make their money, putting the life of the ordinary Ghanaian at risk. We are just encouraging the public to be on the look out”.
He further advised that people should be sure of the meat they are buying is from a reliable source and safe and wholesome for consumption
“Don’t stay in the hospital after the season; be with the family. Ghana Veterinary Medical Medical Students’ Association-KNUST wishes you Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year,”- the statement stated.
