Mampong Abattoir Poses Health Risk
The Asante Mampong Abattoir, a facility responsible for processing meat for the local community, is facing serious challenges due to a lack of adequate facilities and equipment.
Workers at the facility have been forced to work in deplorable conditions, including being exposed to the sun for extended periods of time.
The Nature of the Facility
Speaking to Opemsuo News reporter, Adwoa Serwaa Yonkodo, a spokesperson for the abattoir stated that, “We had a building until 3 years ago when the building needed renovation. They got a contractor but the contractor died. The Municipal Chief Executive brought another contractor but we told him that the building needed to be rebuilt and not renovated.”
The facility has no proper building or roofing, and workers are forced to work outside, with weeds covering the facility’s surroundings.
The abattoir has no proper facilities for keeping the animals, with workers sometimes leaving them at the backyards of people who grant them permission.
“At times, we are concerned that the animals we handle may accidentally break free from where they are hanged outside and potentially harm nearby residents. This is a constant worry for us and we take precautions to ensure the safety of both the animals and the community,” he added.
According to the spokesperson, due to their location in an open space, the abattoir workers are unable to use gas for processing the animals. As a result, they are forced to resort to using car tyres, despite the potential health implications.
The Assembly
During an interview with Opemsuo News, Hon. Abraham Opoku Dwomfour, the Assembly man, confirmed that he was aware of the situation at the abattoir. He stated that the assembly had already hired a contractor to work on the facility and that the work would begin soon.
“The assembly contracted a team of workers to renovate the old facility,” the Assemblyman said, “but unfortunately, they were met with threats from some of the workers there who demanded a new facility instead.”
Health Implications
When asked whether sanitary Inspectors and veterinary officers were aware of the unsanitary conditions at the facility, the spokesperson replied that they are familiar with the area but cannot be solely blamed since the necessary infrastructure has not been provided.
Dr. Isaac Opoku, a renowned dietician and nutritionist, has expressed concerns over the hazardous situation at the abattoir, stating that the workers and residents living in close proximity to the abattoir are at a greater risk of developing health complications than the final consumers of the meat.
In an interview with the Opemsuo News, he emphasised the harmful effects of the smoke produced during the slaughtering process, which can lead to lung diseases and various forms of cancer.
The tyres also contain chemicals and metals that can contaminate the meat.
Dr. Opoku’s statement highlights the critical need for a proper facility to be constructed at the abattoir to mitigate these health risks. The lack of adequate facilities and equipment at the abattoir has put the workers, animals, and residents at great risk.
The situation has been a concern for the community, and stakeholders are calling on the authorities to take action to address the challenges at the facility to ensure the safety and well-being of all concerned.
