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. 2025 May 20;21(1):362.
doi: 10.1186/s12917-025-04818-5.

Exploring the pork production chain in urban Ghana: insights from focus group discussions

Henry Ofosu Addo  1   2 , Ayodele O Majekodunmi  3 , Antwi Joseph Barimah  4 , Husein Bagulo  3 , Florence Korley  5 , Prince Philip Ankapong Asare  6 , Langbong Bimi  7
Affiliations

Exploring the pork production chain in urban Ghana: insights from focus group discussions

Henry Ofosu Addo et al. BMC Vet Res. .

Abstract

Introduction: In urban areas of Ghana, key aspects of the pork production chain, such as pig handling, slaughter practices, and transportation, are critical yet often overlooked aspects of public health and food safety. Despite their significance, only a limited number of studies exist on the dynamics and implications of these practices. This study aims to address knowledge gaps regarding pig-keeping and slaughter practices in Ghana, specifically addressing pig-keeping, handling, slaughter practices, and transportation along the pork production chain.

Methods: This phenomenological qualitative research paradigm utilised eight (8) focus group discussions (FGDs) with pig handlers and slaughterhouse workers in Accra and the Upper East Region of Ghana. Five (5) FGDs were conducted with pig-keepers, and three (3) FGDs were conducted with slaughterhouse workers. Three (3) participatory observations were conducted, probing study participants' views and the information they provided against their actual behaviour. This was to ascertain pig-keeping practices, the slaughter process, means of transport to vending sites, and hygiene and sanitation issues. Four (4) key informant interviews were conducted-two with veterinary officers and two with environmental health officers-to gain insights into their respective supervisory roles.

Results: The study results indicated that most of the pigs were housed in makeshift structures, and free-ranging was widespread to reduce the cost of feeding. It was observed that the activities of pig farmers and slaughterhouses need to be adequately supervised, leading to widespread poor practices. Little knowledge of zoonotic diseases was present among actors in the pork production chain in Ghana.

Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of addressing pig handling and slaughter practices as integral components of urban food systems in Ghana. By engaging stakeholders and raising awareness, policymakers can foster sustainable solutions to enhance food safety, protect public health, and promote animal welfare in urban Ghana.

Keywords: Free-ranching; Keeping animals indoors; Pigs; Pre-slaughter handling; Slaughter.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (ECBAS) of the University of Ghana with approval number (ECBAS 010/17–18). The study protocol was carefully and verbally explained to each participant in a language they understood, and each participant was assured of confidentiality. Informed consent was duly obtained from the farm owners. Each participant also had the chance to ask questions at each study point, to which answers were provided. After voluntarily agreeing to participate, participants were free to withdraw from the study. Literate participants were given written forms to read and sign. Illiterate participants were asked to provide a literate witness who signed on their behalf before they were asked, in the presence of their witness, to thumbprint the consent form in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Competing interest: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Map of selected districts in Accra
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Map of selected districts from the Upper East Region
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Restraining and bleeding of pigs at Chemunaa
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Slaughterhouse workers working without PPEs with slaughtered pigs lying on the concrete floor
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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