The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has called on the Greater Accra Regional Minister to take immediate steps to shut down or relocate the growing livestock market operating at Kanda near the National Mosque in Accra.
The Committee cited concerns over sanitation, congestion and the orderly development of the capital, warning that the increasing trade in cattle, goats and other animals in the area was beginning to negatively affect the image and planning of the city.
According to members of the Committee, the situation requires urgent intervention to prevent further environmental deterioration in the central parts of Accra.
Speaking in an interview, the Vice Chairman of the Committee and Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Opoku Ansah, described the development as disturbing and criticised what he termed a lack of control over the expanding market.
“It looks like the place has been turned into a cow-selling centre. In fact, this week, when I passed there, I saw them selling camels. That is the heart of Accra,” he stated.
He further noted that substantial resources had previously been invested in beautifying the capital and questioned why authorities were allowing the livestock business to continue expanding in the area.
“We have spent money, and at one point, we even had a Ministry in charge of beautifying Accra. Now we are all looking on, allowing this business to grow,” he added.
Mr. Opoku Ansah explained that the livestock trade initially began on a small scale but had grown rapidly over the years.
“First, it was about six cows; now, when you go there, you see over 100 cows. They sell goats, cows and now camels,” he said.
The Committee is therefore urging city authorities and the regional administration to intervene swiftly to restore order and protect the urban development plans of the capital.
