Ghana could face a potential beef supply shortage ahead of the Christmas festivities as restrictions on cattle exports from Burkina Faso continue to affect the country's livestock industry.

The restrictions, announced by the Burkinabe government in April 2026, are aimed at prioritising domestic consumption of beef, leaving Ghanaian livestock traders struggling to secure enough cattle from the neighbouring country.

Speaking in an interview with JoyNews on November 10, 2026, Haruna Batsina, a butcher at the Kumasi Abbatoir, said the number of animals slaughtered daily had fallen from about 360 to approximately 150.

Burkina Faso border closure triggers cow meat shortage in Ghana – Kumasi Abattoir Chief
He attributed the decline to the difficulty in accessing cattle following the restrictions.

"We used to slaughter at least 360 animals a day, but now we are doing around 150," he said.

He stated that the limited supply had also triggered a sharp increase in cattle prices, putting additional pressure on operators in the meat industry.

According to him, a cow that previously sold for at least GH¢6,000 now costs close to GH¢20,000.

The situation is also affecting cattle transporters, many of whom depend on regular livestock deliveries for their livelihoods.

The declining supply has raised concerns among butchers about the possible effect on beef prices as Christmas approaches, a period when demand for meat traditionally increases.

Although butchers are reluctant to increase prices immediately, they say a prolonged supply crisis could leave them with little choice.

Stakeholders in the livestock industry are therefore calling for policy interventions to strengthen local meat production and reduce Ghana's dependence on imported cattle.

They argue that investment in domestic livestock production would help protect the meat industry from supply disruptions in neighbouring countries.

With Christmas approaching, the duration of Burkina Faso's restrictions and Ghana's ability to secure alternative cattle supplies could determine whether consumers face higher beef prices during the festive season.

JKB/AM

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