By Muyid Deen Suleman, GNA
Kumasi, May 25, GNA – Prices of livestock have dropped slightly ahead of the 2026 Eid ul-Adha celebrations, largely due to the appreciation of the Ghana Cedi against major international currencies.
Eid ul-Adha, one of the most significant festivals in Islam, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ismail, in obedience to God’s command.
The festival is traditionally marked by the slaughtering of animals such as cattle, goats, sheep and camels as an act of sacrifice.
The recent strengthening of the Ghana Cedi against major trading currencies, including the United States Dollar, British Pound, Euro and the CFA Franc, has significantly influenced livestock market prices.
A visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to the Kumasi Abattoir revealed a sharp increase in the number of livestock brought into the market ahead of the celebrations.
As of May 21, 2026, more than 5,000 animals had been received at the facility, compared to about 3,000 recorded during the same period in 2025.
Traders attributed the increase to preparations towards the Eid festivities, which usually witness heightened demand for sacrificial animals.
Mr. Hassan Yakubu, the Financial Secretary of the Livestock and Cattle Dealers Association at the Kumasi Abattoir, said the stronger Ghana Cedi had reduced the cost of livestock imports, resulting in lower market prices.
He explained that a cow which sold for about GH¢30,000 last year was now selling between GH¢20,000 and GH¢25,000, while those previously sold at GH¢15,000 were currently going for around GH¢10,000.
He expressed optimism that the reduction in prices would enable more Muslim families to participate in the sacrifice this year.
According to him, prices of rams now start from GH¢1,500 compared to GH¢2,500 during the same period last year, making them more affordable to consumers.
Mr. Yakubu noted that although Burkina Faso and Niger had closed their borders to livestock exports to neighbouring countries, the situation was not expected to significantly affect supply in Ghana.
He said Ghana currently had adequate livestock stock to meet the growing demand during the festive season.
Mr. Michael Tonghani, the Production Manager at the Kumasi Abattoir, welcomed the increased supply of livestock, saying it would help the facility meet consumer demand during the celebrations.
He assured the public of the abattoir’s commitment to maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety in meat processing.
Mr. Tonghani said all meat processed at the facility was certified and fit for human consumption.
He also dismissed rumours that the abattoir had increased or intended to increase service charges ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.
He urged the public to patronise the facility to ensure access to safe and properly inspected meat during the festivities.
GNA
Edited by Yussif Ibrahim/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Muyid Deen Suleman