Govt Unaware "Sheep of Shame" Bound For Ghana

Unpatriotic persons might be engaged in the importation - Quashiga
Government is investigating a report that over 50,000 diseased Australian sheep are being shipped to Ghana (READ). The sheep have been stranded on the seas for over 70 days after 30 countries refused to accept them on health grounds.

The sheep were originally destined for Saudi Arabia, but authorities in that country refused to accept them saying too many of the animals were infected with the scabby mouth disease. The Australian government is under pressure from local farmers not to bring the sheep back to the country for fear that they may have contracted diseases during their time at sea.

The Australian newspaper, Sunday Telegraph, reported that Ghana has accepted the animals and that a decision was yet to be made on shipping them around southern Africa.

Agriculture Minister, Courage Quashigah, however told JOY FM government is unaware of any official agreement to accept the sheep and that an investigation has begun to ascertain the veracity of the report.

The Agriculture Minister however noted that some unpatriotic persons might be engaged in the importation of the sheep and other unwholesome products. While investigations are underway to determine the veracity of the story, the Minister appealed to those engaged in such illegal activities to stop the practice.