Ghana imports nearly $400 million worth of chicken every year, a figure President John Mahama has labelled as a national embarrassment. He expressed that such high reliance on imported chicken should serve as “a source of shame for all Ghanaians.”
Alongside this criticism, he announced plans to empower local poultry production by supporting 54 individuals in raising four million birds, a venture expected to produce 10,000 metric tons of chicken and gradually reduce the heavy dependence on imports.
The President also reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing the nation’s livestock sector. His vision encompasses not only boosting poultry but also advancing cattle production and improving the breeding conditions for small ruminants like goats and sheep, with better access to superior genetic stock. This focus on livestock development reflects an understanding that a robust agriculture sector can drive broader economic growth and self-sufficiency.
During the launch of the government’s Feed Ghana Programme in Techiman, Bono East Region, President Mahama stressed that the initiative would extend beyond just increasing production. He explained that the programme aims to bolster production and processing by modernizing agro-production areas and developing essential infrastructure. This includes efforts to upgrade irrigation systems, road networks, power supply, and warehousing facilities in order to attract private investment and stimulate economic activity.
To kick-start the programme, President Mahama distributed essential agricultural inputs such as maize seeds, fertilizers, a Kia truck, and tractors to several institutions, including the Ghana Prisons Service and the National Service Authority. These contributions are intended to help build momentum and encourage broad participation among those involved in agriculture.
Highlighting the need for cooperation, the President urged all stakeholders, farmers, agribusinesses, financial institutions, and development partners, to work together toward transforming Ghana’s agriculture. He described the Feed Ghana Programme as “a proactive initiative rather than just a policy,” underlining its potential to address existing challenges and create a thriving agricultural sector.
Moreover, the programme will tackle the need for modern services by establishing support centres for farmers, improving access to mechanization and quality inputs, and creating financial and market linkages. It also emphasizes the importance of modernizing traditional farming practices through initiatives like controlled-environment agriculture and urban farming. These efforts aim to increase local production not only of staples and grains but also of vegetables, while reducing the reliance on imports from neighbouring countries.
Finally, a significant focus of the initiative is the revival of the poultry industry through the “Nkoko Nketenkete” project. This component is specifically designed to rejuvenate local poultry production as part of the broader strategy to achieve food self-sufficiency and sustainable agricultural growth.
“We should all be conscious and monitor how the monies will be utilised. I do not need a dollar or a cedi from you. You need to use the money for the intended purpose, and I will be doing the monitoring because this is just the first tranche,” he stated.
