Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, has ignited a wave of public debate after dismissing concerns raised by the Institute of Community Sustainability over the consumption of dog and cat meat.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Dr Apaak, who controversially described himself as the “Global President of the Dog Meat Eaters Association (DOGMEA),” urged supporters to disregard criticism of the practice.
“As the Global President of the Dog Meat Eaters Association [DOGMEA], I urge all members to treat the call by the Institute of Community Sustainability with the contempt it deserves,” he wrote.
The remarks were in response to warnings from the Institute, which had raised health and ethical concerns about the consumption of dog and cat meat. Addressing the health risks cited, Dr Apaak questioned the basis of the claims.
“What do they mean by health concerns? Have we, the dog and cat meat consumers, reported health issues to them? And don’t people who do not eat dog and cat meat also have health issues?” he asked.
On the ethical front, the Deputy Minister rejected what he described as subjective standards.
“Ethical concerns? Whose ethics and by whose standards? We, the consumers of dog and cat meat, are guided by the ethics passed down by our ancestors,” he stated. “Our forefathers taught us the moral principles governing our behaviour, which include our consumption of dog and cat meat.”
He further underscored the cultural dimension of the practice, arguing that it forms part of identity and heritage for some communities.
“We consume dog and cat meat because it is part of our culture, heritage and tradition. It is part of our identity,” he said.
Dr Apaak also framed food as a key marker of cultural expression and social bonding.
“Food, dog and cat meat included, is a primary expression of cultural identity, heritage and social bonding,” he added.
He concluded by encouraging adherents of the practice to remain unapologetic.
“I urge members to boldly and fearlessly consume these special delicacies. We are proud of our heritage; we are proud of our culture. It is our birthright to consume dog and cat meat,” he declared.
The comments have since generated mixed reactions online, with some defending cultural relativism while others expressed concern over public health, animal welfare, and the appropriateness of such statements from a senior government official.
The Institute of Community Sustainability is yet to formally respond to the Deputy Minister’s remarks.
