Working conditions and public health risks in slaughter houses in Ghana. A case study of Kintampo North Municipal

Abstract

This study looked at the working conditions and public health risks on the residents in the community. The sanitary and hygiene conditions of Slaughterhouses are of important due to the fact most of it are located within the community, which can have effect on the health of the residents. A descriptive survey design was used for this study. The target population were staff of the slaughterhouse and residents of the community (Kintampo), irrespective of position, age or gender. The sample size consisted of 150 respondents, comprising; twenty (20) workers of the slaughterhouse, and hundred thirty (130) residents from the community. Questionnaires, consisting of opened and closed ended questions, and interview guide, were the main data collection instruments used to carry out the study. The collected data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages, charts and tables. The study revealed that the operations of the slaughterhouse do have effect on the health of the residents of the community because wastewater was disposed of into the streams and rivers, which serve a source of drinking water. The workers of the slaughterhouse also attested to it. 74.2% of the residents representing majority answered no when they were asked if the operations of the slaughterhouse were inspected. This was expected because most (70%) the residents indicated in a follow up question that they have never seen an inspector before. The study recommends that government must compel the Kintampo North Municipal Assembly (KiMA), to stop the operators of slaughterhouses and abattoir from construction at unauthorized places. Keywords: Slaughterhouse, Wastewater, Hygiene.