Fake veterinary officer arrested in Begoro after deaths of animals

A man posing as a veterinary officer has been arrested in Begoro, located in the Fanteakwa North District.

He is accused of causing the deaths of several animals through improper medical treatments.

The suspect, identified only as Amos, reportedly collected money from unsuspecting farmers while providing unauthorized veterinary services that led to multiple animal fatalities. His fraudulent activities were uncovered after a resident reported losing a dog following an injection administered by him.

Upon his arrest, police retrieved various drugs, syringes, and other medical supplies believed to have been used in his illegal operations. The suspect has since been transferred to the Eastern Regional CID headquarters for further investigation and is expected to appear before court on Monday.

Confirming the incident, Dr. Kofi Nti Agyarko, a senior veterinary officer at the Eastern Regional Veterinary Department, expressed serious concern over the increasing number of impostors posing as veterinary professionals in parts of the region. He stressed that impersonating a certified veterinary officer is a criminal offence under the Veterinary Surgeons Act, warning that such acts carry severe legal consequences.

“This is not an isolated case,” Dr. Agyarko said, recalling a recent situation in which over 100 pigs died after being treated by a fake veterinary practitioner. He noted that such incidents not only cause financial losses for farmers but also pose public health risks due to improper handling of animal medications.

Dr. Agyarko urged farmers to verify the credentials of anyone claiming to be a veterinary officer before allowing them to treat their animals. He advised livestock owners to consult district veterinary offices or the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) for approved services and professional assistance.

He further called on the Veterinary Services Directorate to introduce an official identification system for licensed officers to make it easier for the public to distinguish legitimate practitioners from impostors. According to him, such measures are essential to protect animal health, promote professionalism in the sector, and restore public trust in veterinary care.