Having been engaging authorities at the district and municipal assembly level in the fight against the mass slaughter of donkeys, the Ghana Poultry Network (GAPNET), has now proceeded to commence engagements at the regional level hoping to have a region-wide coordinated action that will eventually help in ending the mass slaughter of donkeys for their hide
Over the period, GAPNET and DONYEPA have been working with the Bolgatanga Municipality, Bongo, and Kassena Nankana West Districts after spotting some operational centers in some of these areas.
The organization is concerned that the operators of these mass slaughter centers could just move to other districts if the assemblies where they are currently operating decide to clamp down on their activities.
Therefore, they believe that a coordinated region-wide exercise will lead to the proper implementation of preventive measures.
The Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly is yet to take a major step in closing down Chinese-owned donkey hide processing centers after an earlier indication that steps will be taken on the operationalization of such facilities.
Advocacy by the Ghana Poultry Network (GAPNET) and Donyepa led to the closure of a similar facility in Walewale in the North East Region.
The Chinese have, however, moved to Bolgatanga and some other areas to continue the illegal trade and mass slaughter of donkeys. Their activities have led to the stealing of donkeys in many parts of the region.
Speaking to Dreamz News, Dr. Roger Kanton, National Advocacy Officer, Fight Against Extinction, explained that that there is the need to scale the fight up to the regional level with the hope of a more coordinated action.
“The essence is to engage with the leadership of the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council to urge them to take the battle to their municipal and district chief executives, who in turn will engage their local assemblies to come out with by-laws to protect the donkey against extinction.
If you want the donkey for local consumption, then they should flair the skin but if they are going to skin it, then it means it is going to a Chinese merchant. We want them to take the matter up at the regional level which will lead to a region-wide action on the mass slaughter of donkeys. Concentrating at the district level limits the fight,” he stated.
He urged community members to get involved in the fight against donkey extinction.
“We expect community members to be active participants in this and report the mass slaughter of donkeys. I know that local action works a lot and so community members should endeavor to be active citizens,” he added.
