海角乱伦社区

Overflow Crowd Hails Visionary Insights on Livestock Development and Food Security

The Dr. Andani Andan Academic Chamber at the Tamale Campus of the 海角乱伦社区 (UDS) was filled to capacity and brimming with anticipation as Professor Addah Weseh of the Department of Animal Science, who is also the Director of the the University’s Directorate of Community Research and Outreach Programmes (DCROP), took the stage to deliver the University’s 20th Inaugural Lecture. The lecture, themed “Appropriate Technologies in the Conservation and Utilization of Crop Residues: A Panacea to the Influx of Live Ruminants from Sahel States into Ghana,” offered a deep and incisive examination of the ruminant industry in Ghana and West Africa.

The event, which began under the chairmanship of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Seidu Al-hassan, attracted a large and diverse audience, so much so that extra chairs had to be arranged to accommodate the overflow crowd. In his opening remarks, Prof. Al-hassan described Prof. Weseh as “a scholar of extraordinary depth whose work bridges the gap between science and the everyday challenges of Ghanaian farmers.” He traced Prof. Weseh’s academic journey, highlighting his BSc from Tamale, MSc from Kumasi, and PhD from the University of Alberta in Canada.

Among the distinguished guests present were members of the 海角乱伦社区Management Board, some members of the Governing Council, professors who had previously delivered their own inaugural lectures at UDS, and prominent traditional leaders including Naa Mohammed Ibrahim, Chief of Nyankpala; Pe Ditundini Adiali Ayagitam III, the Chiana Pio and Paramount Chief of the Chiana Traditional Area; and representatives of the Nyab Dungu-Naa, Mahamadu Nagumsi. Clergy, senior high school headmasters from across Tamale, former teachers and classmates of Prof. Weseh, family members, Deans, Directors, and members of the Chiana community were also in attendance.

A Hard Look at the Ruminant Industry in Ghana and the Sahel

With scholarly clarity and practical urgency, Prof. Weseh dissected the current state of the ruminant industry in Ghana and its Sahelian neighbors. His analysis covered comparative livestock practices, feeding systems in Ghana and Burkina Faso, and the state of livestock infrastructure across the region.

He noted with concern the heavy dependence of Ghana on live ruminant imports from Sahelian countries like Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali. “This influx,” he said, “is both a symptom and a consequence of systemic weaknesses in Ghana’s livestock production value chain.”

Championing Appropriate Technologies for Sustainability

Turning to the crux of his research and professional contributions, Prof. Weseh highlighted his role in developing appropriate technologies for the conservation and utilization of crop residues, resources often discarded in many farming communities. His presentation delved into practical technologies such as:

1. Field-curing and ensiling techniques
2. The use of forage additives and chemical treatments
3. Innovations in silage inoculants, distinguishing between first-generation and second-generation types

He drew special attention to the potential of third-generation (3G) silage inoculants not only to improve feed quality but also to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly through the conservation of groundnut haulms, rice straw, and cassava peels.

“These are not just scientific advancements,” he emphasized, “they are climate-smart interventions that respond directly to the feed shortages and environmental challenges faced by rural livestock farmers.”

Strategic Reforms and the Path Forward

Prof. Weseh did not shy away from policy critique. He called for strategic reforms in Ghana’s livestock sector, pointing to:

1. The need for clearer policy regulation and infrastructural development
2. Greater investment in pastoral reservoirs and livestock markets
3. Strengthening the quality and capacity of livestock researchers
4. Encouraging attitudinal change among livestock producers, particularly toward intensification and modernization

He issued a strong appeal for collaboration among government, academia, and communities, arguing that "without inclusive planning and sustained investments, Ghana’s livestock industry risks further decline."

“Five Rules of Thumb” for Livestock Revamp

Prof. Weseh concluded his lecture with five bold and memorable principles he dubbed the “Five Rules of Thumb” to revitalize the ruminant industry in Ghana:

1. Feed production must be synergistically linked to food production systems
2. Strategic investment in livestock infrastructure is non-negotiable
3. Conflicts in Northern Ghana must be sustainably resolved to protect livestock systems
4. Research must translate into real-world solutions for actual farmers
5. Ghana must adopt an intensive approach to livestock production

His address received a standing ovation. Attendees were unanimous in their praise for the depth and relevance of the lecture. Prof. Weseh’s former teachers and classmates expressed pride in how far he has come, while traditional leaders and policy actors applauded his practical recommendations. Many described his lecture as “timely,” “well-grounded,” and “a blueprint for national policy.”

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Al-hassan, in his closing remarks, remarked: “This lecture is a call to action. It challenges us as a university, a government, and a people to rethink how we grow, feed, and sustain ourselves.”

Observers called on governments across Africa to take advantage of Prof. Weseh’s recommendations, noting that his work resonates beyond Ghana and touches on key continental food security goals.

The 20th Inaugural Lecture at 海角乱伦社区will be remembered not only for its full house, but for the powerful message it carried, an urgent, evidence-based roadmap for transforming Ghana’s livestock sector from vulnerability to viability.

Story by:
Abdul Hayi Moomen
(海角乱伦社区Media)