Ghana has taken a major step to strengthen animal health governance and protect public health with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The initiative focuses on advancing reforms in veterinary regulation and professional standards to build a competent, accountable, and well-regulated veterinary workforce.
Through a consultative process led by the Veterinary Council of Ghana (VCG), FAO has assisted in developing key legal and institutional reforms. These reforms aim to create an amended and enforceable legal framework that enhances oversight, safeguards the quality and integrity of veterinary practice, and supports a stronger One Health system linking human, animal, and environmental health.
The four-day consultation workshop brought together legal experts, the Veterinary Council, the Veterinary Services Directorate, professional associations, academic institutions, and FAO. Participants addressed outstanding issues in the Amended Veterinary Surgeon’s Law (PNDC Law 305C) and finalized frameworks, guidelines, and standard operating procedures for a mandatory Continuous Professional Development (CPD) system. This CPD system will ensure veterinarians continuously update their knowledge and skills, improving competence, accountability, and collaboration under the One Health approach.
Officials emphasized the importance of strong veterinary regulation for animal health, food safety, and public health. The reforms are expected to elevate professional standards, strengthen disease prevention and control, and enhance Ghana’s national capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to emerging animal and public health threats.
This milestone represents a significant achievement in Ghana’s ongoing efforts to modernize veterinary governance and reinforce the country’s integrated public health infrastructure with technical support from FAO.
