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PigGold Solutions Enterprise, based at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in Ghana, has launched a commercial piggery initiative to provide sustainable alternative livelihoods for people involved in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. The project aims to create employment, improve incomes and encourage people to abandon illegal mining by demonstrating the economic benefits of pig farming.
The initiative focuses on producing safe, lean, tender and taint-free pork in line with animal welfare and One Health standards. It was developed in collaboration with mining companies seeking alternative livelihood programmes for host communities, with pig farming identified as a promising venture offering relatively quick returns. A similar initiative in Obuasi, supported by AngloGold Ashanti, has trained young people in pig farming and supplied improved breeds and foundation stock, with some beneficiaries subsequently leaving illegal mining.
To strengthen the piggery value chain, the enterprise is working with four processing centres across southern Ghana, with one in the Eastern Region, one in the Ashanti Region and two in the Central Region. Plans are also under way to establish a feed mill to reduce feed costs from approximately 70 per cent to 50 per cent of production expenses, alongside fertiliser centres that will convert pig manure into organic fertiliser to improve soil fertility and support maize and soybean production.
October 12, 2026/Ghana/
https://gna.org.gh/
