The Ghanaian livestock market has experienced a significant price decrease in the lead-up to the 2025 Eid-ul-Adha celebrations, primarily driven by the robust performance of the Ghanaian cedi against major international currencies. This religious holiday, observed by Muslims worldwide, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God. A central tradition of Eid-ul-Adha involves the symbolic sacrifice of animals, predominantly cattle and rams, making livestock a crucial commodity during this period. The strengthened cedi has directly impacted the affordability of imported livestock, leading to lower prices and increased accessibility for celebrants.
The impact of the cedi’s appreciation is palpable in the bustling activity at the Kumasi Abattoir, a major livestock market in Ghana. As of June 2nd, 2025, the Abattoir had already received over 4,000 animals, a substantial increase compared to the 1,000 received during the same period in 2024. This surge in livestock arrivals underscores the anticipation of increased demand for sacrificial animals in the days leading up to Eid-ul-Adha. The Livestock and Cattle Dealers Association at the Kumasi Abattoir attributes this influx directly to the upcoming celebrations and the favorable currency exchange rates. The stronger cedi has made it financially viable for traders to import more animals, resulting in a greater supply and, consequently, lower prices.
The price reductions are substantial and widespread across different livestock categories. Cows that were priced at GHS 20,000 in 2024 are now available for GHS 15,000, while those previously sold at GHS 15,000 are now fetching GHS 10,000. Similarly, the price of rams, another popular sacrificial animal, has seen a significant drop, with prices now starting at GHS 2,000, compared to GHS 3,500 the previous year. These substantial price reductions are expected to make the tradition of animal sacrifice more accessible to a wider range of families, allowing more people to participate in the religious observance. The Chairman of the Livestock and Cattle Dealers Association expressed optimism that the lower prices will enable greater inclusivity in the Eid-ul-Adha celebrations.
The Kumasi Abattoir is anticipating further increases in livestock arrivals, projecting over 6,000 cattle by Friday, June 6th, 2025, just ahead of the festival. This increased supply is a welcome development, according to the Abattoir’s Production Manager, as it ensures they can meet the heightened consumer demand during the festive period. The Abattoir management has reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety in meat processing, assuring the public that all meat products handled at the facility are fit for human consumption. This assurance is crucial in upholding public trust and ensuring the health and safety of consumers during a period of increased meat consumption.
Addressing public concerns, the Abattoir management explicitly denied rumors of increased service charges in anticipation of the Eid festivities. They clarified that there are no plans to raise fees, emphasizing their dedication to providing affordable and reliable services to the community. Furthermore, they encouraged the public to utilize the Abattoir’s certified services to guarantee the quality and safety of the meat consumed during the celebrations. This proactive communication aims to dispel misinformation and encourage consumers to make informed choices about meat sourcing and processing.
The convergence of the cedi’s strength and the increased supply of livestock has created a favorable market environment for consumers in Ghana ahead of Eid-ul-Adha in 2025. The lower prices are not only making the tradition of animal sacrifice more accessible but are also contributing to a sense of economic relief for families preparing for the celebrations. The Kumasi Abattoir, as a central player in the livestock market, plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and safe supply of meat products. Their commitment to maintaining affordable service charges and upholding high hygiene standards further enhances their role in supporting the community during this important religious observance. The overall positive market dynamics are expected to contribute to a more inclusive and affordable Eid-ul-Adha celebration for many Ghanaian families.
