Consumers and traders of dog and cat meat in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East Region have threatened to take legal action against the government if the consumption of the animals is banned.
The threat follows a lawsuit filed at the Supreme Court of Ghana by the Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS) on July 28, 2026, seeking an order compelling state authorities to strictly enforce laws against the slaughter and consumption of dogs and cats.
The ICS is relying on Section 303 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), as amended by the Criminal Code (Amendment) Act, 1998 (Act 554), arguing that existing laws prohibit the practice.
The legal action seeks to clarify whether Ghana’s current laws already prohibit the trade and consumption of the animals or whether Parliament needs to introduce specific legislation to ban the practice.
However, some consumers of dog and cat meat in Bolgatanga have rejected calls for a ban, arguing that the meat provides important nutrients and should continue to be available.
The Bolgatanga dog market is known as a major centre for the trade in dogs and cats, attracting traders and buyers from different parts of the country.
The animals are sold for various purposes, including consumption and traditional practices.
Among some Frafra communities, dogs and cats have traditionally been used in cultural rites and ceremonies, including marriages, funerals and the pouring of libations.
The consumption of dog and cat meat is also practised in other parts of the Upper East Region, including the Kassena-Nankana Municipality.
Beyond its cultural significance, the trade provides a source of income for some residents. Women and young people are involved in selling live animals, while others make a living from preparing and selling roasted meat.
Traders and consumers say a ban would therefore affect both their livelihoods and traditional practices.
The growing legal debate has placed the dog and cat meat trade at the centre of discussions about animal welfare, cultural practices, public policy and the enforcement of Ghana’s existing laws.
As the Supreme Court considers the case, the outcome could have significant implications for traders, consumers and communities where the practice remains part of local economic and cultural life.
By : Rachael Djabakie