Farmers both small-scale and large-scale—across the Upper East Region are reeling in a profound state of dilemma as the illegal donkey skin trade continues to surge to satisfy Chinese markets.
Indeed, in the parched fields of the region, where donkeys once hauled water and contributed significantly to land preparation, hopelessness has become the “new friend” of many farmers. They watch their livelihoods vanish into thin air as they lose their most faithful helpers to the indescribable rise in unsanctioned trade in donkey hides, spurred by Chinese medicinal demand.
This phenomenon is pushing these animals—the most trusted “labourers” of northern farmers—towards extinction and worsening the region’s agricultural decline.
Each attempt by farmers to address the problem opens a new can of worms, as they confront the intensifying impact of climate change on farmlands. Together, these notorious twin crises are crippling agriculture, deepening poverty, and threatening the survival of the 70 per cent of the region’s population who depend on farming for their livelihoods.
The donkeys are dying, the land is crying
While the disappearance of donkeys constitutes an ecological loss, the deeper reality is that it also represents a severe economic wound—one cutting through the very fabric of rural survival, all while authorities watch idly.
Evidence suggests that over the past few years—particularly from 2021 to date—the devastating impact on the Upper East Region has escalated. The mass slaughter of donkeys, averaging between 150 and 200 a day to fuel insatiable international demand, has gained alarming momentum.
Today, donkeys have become a rare sight even in remote hinterlands. What a shock! What a shame!
Farmers’ woes are deepening, and the multi-million dollar question they ask remains: Why would anyone in Ghana—and specifically in the North—prioritise the extinction of donkeys, which are essential to agriculture and rural transportation, simply to satisfy Chinese anti-aging demands?
Existential threat
The major driver of this “mass killing” is the high demand for donkey skin, used to produce a gelatin called Ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicine believed to improve blood circulation, slow aging, and boost fertility.
It appears some locals, lured by short-term profit, remain blind to the enormous threat this poses to millions relying on donkeys as critical farm labour.
The Upper East Regional Director of Agriculture, Alhaji Fuseini Zakaria, describes the rising demand for donkeys as an existential threat to humanity, stressing that donkeys play a pivotal role in Ghana’s socio-economic framework.
According to him, donkeys remain indispensable to rural farmers because mechanised farming is less accessible and often unaffordable in these areas.
“Look, the region is sitting on a time bomb,” he lamented. “Chinese buyers set up bases in places like Walewale, where they lured smallholder farmers with money to slaughter donkeys for mass purchase.”
This, he explained, accounts for the reduced cultivation of indigenous crops such as early millet (NAARA) and late millet (KAZIE). Donkeys have effectively become the tractors of poor farmers, as tractor services remain far too expensive.
Zakaria recalled leading a team from the Department of Agriculture, law enforcement, and security forces to storm the ‘base’ of these Chinese operators in Walewale and drive them out.
Though successful, he noted that the buyers have now relocated to Kumasi, where locals still slaughter donkeys and transport them southwards.
He warned that the consequences of these actions will be deeply felt in the coming years.
Weakened security system
From the director’s account, it is evident that Ghana’s security architecture is weak, allowing perpetrators of the illicit donkey trade to outsmart immigration officers.
It is hard to believe that large sacks of donkey meat transported to Kumasi are mistaken for bush meat unless bribery, corruption, or complicity is at play.
The growing concern, if left unchecked, will intensify poverty and migration pressures. Despite calls for regulation, enforcement remains weak.
Ghana still lacks a comprehensive law banning the export of donkey hides. While some district assemblies have attempted local restrictions, their effectiveness remains questionable.
The Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Roland Atanga Ayoo, told The Ghanaian Times that he would prioritise the fight against donkey hide export. He emphasised the urgency of passing new bylaws to curb the crisis before donkeys go extinct.
Farmers lament; attributing the issue to porous borders
Some farmers blame porous borders with Burkina Faso and Togo, which make it easier for traders to smuggle donkeys across West Africa.
Ignatius Gbambil Apol, a farmer and teacher in Zua, stressed that only coordinated West African action can reduce the menace.
Even if Ghana bans exportation, he argues, smugglers will still transport donkeys to neighbouring countries.
He lamented how the disappearance of donkeys has disrupted family routines and community resilience. Previously cultivating three to four acres, he managed only one acre during the 2025 cropping season due to the lack of donkeys.
Women farmers are equally distressed. Mrs Assibi Kolog of Damolgo revealed that many women, once reliant on donkeys for land preparation, now migrate southward for menial jobs.
Climate change: The second blow
As though the donkey slaughter crisis were not enough, climate change continues to intensify the region’s agricultural instability.
Prolonged dry spells, declining soil fertility, and erratic rainfall have made farming a gamble.
Experts argue that the combination of donkey extinction and worsening climate conditions is tormenting an already vulnerable agrarian economy.
Dr Roger Kanton, an Agricultural Scientist and National Programme Officer for the Fight Against Donkey Extinction (FADE), warned that without donkeys, many farmers will reduce farm sizes or abandon traditional crops, deepening poverty.
Statistics from the Animal Production Department of MOFA indicate that Ghana’s donkey population dropped to 14,000 in 2024—from 13 million 45 years ago.
If accurate, this represents a catastrophic decline.
Professor Kanton further noted that Chinese traders have expanded the donkey trade beyond Ghana to Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Nigeria, and other Sub-Saharan states.
Surprisingly, although the AU, ECOWAS, and the EU have banned the killing of donkeys, Ghana has yet to implement strict national policy despite being a signatory to these international agreements. This reflects troubling national negligence.
Call for action
Experts and advocacy groups are calling for urgent intervention, including a national donkey conservation policy, community sensitisation, and stricter border controls to halt the hide trade.
They also urge the integration of climate adaptation strategies into livestock protection programmes.
Although there has been a slight decline in donkey slaughter due to the efforts of FADE, Agric officers, and the Ghana Police Service, the fight must not lose momentum. Consistency is key.
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Agriculture—chaired by Hon Godfred Seidu Jasaw—is encouraged to collaborate with FADE and agricultural authorities to confront this menace head-on.
As Dr Kanton said, collective effort, perseverance, courage, and a relentless stance against illicit trade are crucial.
Together, we shall succeed!
The writer is a journalist.
BY FRANCIS DABRE DABANG
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