AMA Issues Strict Warning to Meat Sellers Over Expired Medical Certificates and Hygiene Standards

Florence Kuukyi, the Director of Metro Public Health at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), has issued a stern warning to meat sellers across the capital regarding the mandatory renewal of their medical certificates. Sellers who fail to comply with these health regulations face the risk of prosecution and a potential prison sentence of up to three months. This directive is part of a broader effort by the AMA to address significant public health concerns related to meat handling in Ghana’s open markets, where the risk of foodborne diseases remains a persistent threat to consumer safety.

To ensure that meat is fit for human consumption, health officials have intensified both education and field inspections. The safety protocol requires meat to undergo rigorous veterinary checks, including both ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections, before it can be certified for sale. During these inspections, any meat found to be diseased or contaminated is immediately condemned and disposed of to prevent it from entering the food chain. Beyond the meat itself, officials are closely monitoring the hygiene of the market environment, emphasizing the need for clean attire, proper sanitation, and the prevention of cross-contamination in stalls.

While many traders have expressed a willingness to comply with the assembly's health standards, they have also highlighted several systemic challenges. At locations such as the Kaneshie Market, sellers have pointed to limited refrigeration facilities and sanitation hurdles as barriers to maintaining optimal food safety. Additionally, many traders are calling on the authorities to reduce the costs associated with medical screenings and certificate renewals to make it easier for them to remain compliant without placing an undue financial burden on their small businesses.

Public sentiment remains strongly in favor of stricter enforcement, with many consumers advocating for regular and unannounced inspections to guarantee the quality of the meat they purchase. The AMA has reiterated that regular medical screenings for handlers are non-negotiable for public safety. As inspections continue, health officials are urging all stakeholders—from slaughterhouse operators to market retailers—to prioritize hygiene and legal compliance to protect the health of the Ghanaian public and maintain the integrity of the local food industry.