The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) is set to commission a new multi-purpose abattoir in the coming days as part of measures to improve hygienic meat processing, strengthen veterinary inspection and safeguard public health in the metropolis.

The facility, located in Accra, was developed to serve as a major centre for the slaughtering and preparation of animals for public consumption under improved sanitary and veterinary conditions.

The new abattoir comprises an offloading bay, a veterinary section, changing rooms, storage facilities, washrooms, freezing bays, slaughtering and slamming areas, an animal drinking pond and a cattle lairage for holding animals before slaughter.

The design is expected to ensure that animals brought to the facility were properly received, held and examined by veterinary officers before being approved for slaughter and processing for the market.

The facility is also expected to improve compliance with food safety and environmental health standards by providing designated areas for the various stages of animal handling, inspection, slaughtering, processing and storage.

The project formed part of efforts to ensure that meat supplied to residents of Accra was processed under conditions that protected consumers from health risks associated with unhygienic slaughtering and improper meat handling.

It is also expected to create economic opportunities for residents, particularly people within Jamestown and surrounding communities, as well as support the livelihoods of butchers, livestock traders and other businesses associated with the meat industry.