Regional News of Monday, 9 October 2006

Source: GNA

Takoradi Butchers appeal for new slaughter house

New Takoradi (W/R) Oct. 9 GNA - Mr Mohammed Anaba, Chairman of the Takoradi Butchers Association (TBA), has said that the old, dilapidated and unhygienic slaughterhouse and kraal at New Takoradi was affecting their business.

He said most of their clients, especially those in the hospitality industry, have stopped patronising their meat citing health concerns though the Association followed laid down health and sanitation procedures of the Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly (SAEMA). Mr Anaba, who was speaking to the Media at the slaughterhouse on Monday, said the facility no longer befitted the status of the Metropolis.

"Although we are aware that the environment within which businesses operated directly affects its output, the same cannot be said about the meat produced at the slaughter house," he said. Mr Anaba said negative comments by some personnel of SAEMA were also having a serious effect on the operations of the butchers. He said to reverse this, the Association was appealing to SAEMA to relocate or provide a modern abattoir to safeguard the investments of the butchers.

"We want a new site with the requisite facilities that befit the Metropolis, which we hope would restore confidence, improve the local meat industry and contribute significantly towards the economy of the Western Region", he said.