The Pig Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) is calling on government to introduce a dedicated policy to support pig production, strengthen the value chain, and boost economic growth in the livestock sector.
According to the Association, despite the growing importance of pig farming in Ghana’s agricultural economy, the subsector continues to receive limited policy attention compared to cattle and poultry.
The concerns were raised during the inauguration of the Asante Akyem Central Municipal branch of the Association.
Speaking in an interview, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of PFAG, Daniel Yaw Saim, said government livestock interventions have historically focused on poultry and cattle, leaving pig farmers to face challenges such as disease outbreaks, poor feed quality, limited veterinary support, and weak market linkages.
“The government currently has no dedicated policy for pig farmers. As an association, our priority is to push for a comprehensive policy to guide Ghana’s pig-farming industry. We’re battling finance gaps, poor veterinary services, poor-quality feed, frequent disease outbreaks, and weak market connections,” he said.
He noted that unlike poultry farmers who receive compensation when birds die, pig farmers do not benefit from any similar support.
Mr. Saim also appealed for government assistance in the form of starter piglets, which he referred to as “Prako Nkitinkiti,” similar to the “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” poultry support programme.
He explained that such an intervention would help smallholder farmers build their herds, increase productivity, and expand local pork production.
“Pork is gaining popularity, with some people even referring to it as ‘Borga Meat.’ We are contributing to the economy by providing an affordable protein source. Since the government spends foreign currency to import protein sources, investing in pig farming could reduce that burden and strengthen the local economy,” he added.
He further stressed that farmers had hoped for a pig-focused intervention similar to the poultry initiative, and were urging government to consider it.
At the event, the Agric Municipal Director for Asante Akyem Central, Martha Ashami Armah, addressed misconceptions about pork consumption and pig farming.
She rejected claims that pork is unsafe, explaining that when properly handled and cooked, it is a safe and nutritious source of protein.
She also challenged the belief that pigs are “dirty animals,” noting that their hygiene depends largely on farming practices.
“When raised in hygienic conditions and fed quality feed, pigs are no dirtier than any other livestock,” she said.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Asante Akyem Central, Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Ekow Aidoo, encouraged young people to venture into pig farming, describing it as a viable source of income and a solution to youth unemployment.
He also commended the formation of the association, saying it would help farmers better access government support and address industry challenges.
The Association is therefore urging policymakers to integrate pig farming into national agricultural development plans through targeted interventions, investment incentives, and structured support to unlock the sector’s full economic potential.
