The Ho Municipal Assembly has demolished the old Zongo Slaughterhouse to ensure full operational compliance at the newly established Sokode Abattoir.
The exercise, which took place under the direct supervision of Mr. Stephen Adom, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), forms part of efforts to streamline meat processing activities and improve sanitary conditions within the municipality.
The Assembly’s decision follows years of health and safety concerns raised by public health authorities over the poor state of the Zongo facility, which lacked potable water, proper drainage, and hygienic waste disposal systems.
Several attempts to relocate the butchers to the Sokode Abattoir met resistance from industry players and segments of the public.
Mr. Adom told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the demolition was necessary to prevent butchers from returning to the old site, which had long been declared unsuitable.
He said, “As long as the structure stands, there is always the temptation for people to go back, and that defeats the whole purpose of the relocation.”
The Municipal Assembly had earlier reached a formal agreement with the butchers and meat sellers that June 26, 2025, would be the last day for any slaughtering activity at the old slaughterhouse, with June 27, 2025, set as the final deadline for complete evacuation and operational shift to the new Sokode facility.
Despite this consensus, the demolition has drawn mixed reactions from some butchers and residents, with concerns that the old building could have been repurposed rather than being pulled down completely.
Musah, a meat seller in the Zongo area, expressed disappointment over the move, lamenting that, “The Assembly should not have demolished the building. It’s an old structure, yes, but it could serve a different purpose, like a cold store for preserving meat in the future.”
Another concerned resident suggested an alternative use of the building.
He said, “That building could have been converted into classrooms for the nearby Basic School. It’s very costly to put up new structures these days.
A visit by the GNA to the demolition site showed that, despite the removal of the main structure, some butchers and traders were still conducting meat preparation activities on the grounds.
Also, hides, cow legs, goats, and sheep were being processed on-site, while smoke from burning hides filled the air.
In addition to the lingering slaughtering activities, the area appeared to have attracted other unauthorized operations.
“What is also very visible here is the open sale of drugs,” a resident told the GNA.
Municipal authorities maintain that the relocation exercise had faced stiff resistance from the previous administration, but the current leadership resolved to enforce the directive in the interest of public health and municipal order.
Mr. Adom noted that the Sokode Abattoir was better equipped and built to meet modern sanitary and operational standards, offering a safer environment for both butchers and consumers.
He added that the Assembly would continue to monitor the area and ensure that all remaining activities at the old site were halted immediately. “We won’t allow anyone to turn this place into an illegal market or a criminal hideout,” he warned.
The Assembly has called on the public to cooperate with authorities to fully implement the relocation, ensuring improved hygiene standards and meat safety for the people of Ho and its surrounding communities.
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