Ghana’s poultry industry is poised for a potential boom, with the Deputy Minister of Agriculture in Charge of Livestock, Mohammed Hardi Tufeiru, urging Ghanaians to embrace poultry farming. This call to action aims to not only reduce the country’s reliance on imported chicken but also bolster domestic poultry consumption and contribute to national food security.
The impetus for this initiative came during the 2024 Ghana Poultry Day, organized by the Agrihouse Foundation with the backing of the Ghana Tourism Authority and the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH). The event, held on July 1st, served a dual purpose: advocating for the official recognition of July 1st as Ghana Poultry Day and promoting a shift towards locally-raised poultry among Ghanaians.
Tufeiru emphasized the lucrative potential of the poultry business, highlighting its ability to generate income while simultaneously fostering a taste for locally produced chicken. He acknowledged the government’s efforts to make agriculture a more enticing sector through the Planting for Food and Jobs policy. This program, initially launched to promote food security through staple crops, is currently undergoing revisions to address teething problems. Notably, the new phase of the Planting for Food and Jobs program specifically includes poultry rearing, reflecting the government’s recognition of this sector’s importance.
To further incentivize participation, the Deputy Minister announced a starter pack program. These packs, provided to aspiring poultry farmers, would include essential supplies like chicks, cages, medication, and feed for a period of roughly two months. Tufeiru cited successful examples of individuals who have leveraged this initial support to launch and subsequently expand their poultry businesses, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness.
However, Member of Parliament for the Korle Klottey Constituency, Madam Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, cautioned that creating a more enabling environment for poultry production remains crucial. High production costs currently plague the industry, making it less economically attractive. Agyemang-Rawlings stressed the need for robust support systems, including financial and technical assistance, to make agribusiness, particularly poultry farming, more viable. Additionally, she advocated for a more engaging approach to the sector, potentially through educational programs or competitions, to attract the youth and foster a long-term commitment to domestic poultry production.
The Agrihouse Foundation, the event organizer, expressed optimism through their Executive Director, Ms. Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa. Ms. Akosa highlighted the event’s success over the past four years, commending the participation of key government officials from across the political spectrum. This unified front, she argued, signifies a growing recognition of the importance of the poultry industry. Building on this momentum, Ms Akosa urged the government to officially declare July 1st as Ghana Poultry Day. This official recognition, she believes, would serve as a powerful tool for public education, particularly among children, about the vast opportunities within the poultry sector. By fostering awareness and promoting domestic poultry consumption, Ghana Poultry Day has the potential to transform the nation’s poultry industry, leading to increased self-sufficiency, job creation, and a more robust food security system.
