Pig Farmers Association calls for dedicated government policy to boost industry
The Pig Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has appealed to the government to introduce a comprehensive policy framework to support pig farming, strengthen the livestock value chain, and unlock the sector’s economic potential.
According to the Association, pig farming continues to receive less policy attention than the poultry and cattle industries, despite its growing contribution to Ghana’s agricultural economy.
The call was made during the inauguration of the Asante Akyem Central Municipal branch of PFAG.
Speaking at the event, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Association, Daniel Yaw Saim, expressed concern over the lack of targeted government interventions for pig farmers. He noted that while livestock support programmes have largely focused on poultry and cattle production, pig farmers continue to grapple with numerous challenges, including inadequate financing, poor veterinary services, low-quality feed, disease outbreaks, and weak market access.
“The government currently has no dedicated policy for pig farmers. As an association, one of our key priorities is to advocate for a comprehensive policy that will guide the development of Ghana’s pig farming industry. We face challenges such as limited access to finance, poor veterinary support, poor-quality feed, recurring disease outbreaks, and weak market linkages,” he said.
Mr. Saim further highlighted what he described as unequal treatment within the livestock sector, noting that pig farmers do not receive compensation when their animals die from disease outbreaks, unlike poultry farmers who benefit from compensation schemes during similar crises.
He also called on the government to introduce a pig-focused support programme similar to the “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” initiative for poultry farmers. According to him, a programme that provides starter piglets—popularly referred to as “Prako Nkitinkiti”—would enable smallholder farmers to expand their herds, increase productivity, and boost local pork production.
Mr. Saim emphasized the growing demand for pork in Ghana, describing it as an affordable and increasingly popular source of protein.
“Pork is becoming more popular, with some people even referring to it as ‘Borga Meat.’ We are contributing significantly to the economy by providing a relatively affordable protein source. Since the country spends foreign exchange on imported protein products, investing in pig farming could reduce that burden and strengthen the local economy,” he stated.
He added that pig farmers had hoped to benefit from a government intervention programme similar to the one established for poultry production and urged policymakers to consider extending such support to the industry.
Also speaking at the event, the Municipal Director of Agriculture for Asante Akyem Central, Martha Ashami Armah, sought to dispel common misconceptions surrounding pork consumption and pig farming.
She explained that pork is a safe and nutritious source of protein when properly handled and cooked, dismissing concerns about its safety.
Mrs. Armah also challenged the perception that pigs are inherently dirty animals, stressing that the cleanliness of pigs largely depends on the conditions under which they are raised.
“When pigs are raised in hygienic environments and fed quality feed, they are no dirtier than any other livestock animal,” she said.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Asante Akyem Central, Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Ekow Aidoo, encouraged young people to consider pig farming as a viable business opportunity capable of generating income and reducing unemployment.
He commended the establishment of the association’s municipal branch, noting that a stronger and more organized industry would improve farmers’ ability to access government support and address sector-specific challenges.
The Pig Farmers Association of Ghana is therefore urging the government to integrate pig farming into national agricultural development strategies through targeted policies, investment incentives, and structured support programmes aimed at accelerating growth and sustainability within the sector.
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