No Permit, No Movement": Dr Sasu Urges Crackdown on Livestock Transport to Avert Deadly Disease Outbreaks

 In a firm call to action, Dr Benjamin Kissi Sasu, Deputy Head of the National Food Safety and Reference Laboratory at the Veterinary Services Department, has sounded the alarm on a growing threat to Ghana’s food security—unauthorised livestock movements.

Source: Veterinaria Digital

Dr Sasu is urging strict enforcement of official movement permits for all farmers and traders transporting animals, describing it as a critical shield against the spread of dangerous animal diseases across regions.

“These permits are not just paperwork—they're our first line of defence,” Dr Sasu stated in a report by MetroTVOnline on July 3, 2025.

According to him, movement permits serve as powerful disease surveillance tools that enable veterinary authorities to monitor, trace, and control the transport of animals, ensuring they are healthy and disease-free before reaching new locations.

Without such checks, Dr Sasu warns, Ghana risks facing uncontrolled outbreaks that could cripple the agricultural sector, disrupt food supply chains, and threaten public health.

“The permit allows us to know where the animals are coming from and whether they have been inspected and declared healthy,” he explained.

Despite repeated warnings, many livestock transporters still bypass the system—often out of ignorance or disregard—putting entire communities and economies at risk. Dr Sasu labeled this non-compliance a ticking time bomb, increasing the potential for devastating disease outbreaks.

He called on all parties in the livestock value chain—farmers, traders, and drivers alike—to work closely with veterinary officers and follow the regulations.

In response to ongoing violations, Dr Sasu revealed that the government and regulatory agencies plan to ramp up enforcement efforts, ensuring offenders are held accountable.

He concluded with a powerful reminder: “Protecting animal health is not just the government's job. It’s a shared responsibility. By following movement regulations, we protect our livelihoods, safeguard consumers, and uphold the integrity of Ghana’s food systems.