The Women in Poultry Value Chain (WIP VAC) has made a formal appeal to the government to construct state-of-the-art chicken processing facilities throughout the country to effectively process and package locally produced poultry. These facilities are essential for enhancing the quality and safety of chicken products for consumers.
During the Poultry Intensification Scheme program held in Accra, Dr. Victoria Afua Norgbey, the President of WIP VAC, emphasized the urgent need for government investment in the poultry sector. She stated, “It is time for our nation to prioritize and invest in this crucial sector. We require processing units where we can handle our chickens, as well as proper storage facilities to maintain them at optimal temperatures.”
Dr. Norgbey highlighted the importance of modern logistics, saying, “We also need refrigerated delivery vans to transport our products to restaurants and food outlets, as many establishments will not accept poultry that is not kept at the correct temperature during transport. Our vision includes the establishment of a WIP VAC farm, a dedicated WIP VAC processing unit, and the availability of WIP VAC-branded chicken throughout the country and even in international markets.”
The program was organized by WIP VAC in partnership with the West Africa Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP), and it offered attendees complimentary grilled chicken and fried yam, showcasing the organization’s commitment to promoting local poultry. This event also celebrated WIP VAC’s eighth anniversary and was part of its broader mission to encourage the production and consumption of domestically sourced poultry products.
Mentorship and Investment Opportunities
Dr. Norgbey stated that WIP VAC is fully committed to mentoring young women who wish to enter the poultry farming industry. Acknowledging that poultry farming can be capital-intensive, she remarked, “Despite the financial challenges, the sector has immense potential. I strongly encourage young people to engage in this business to provide high-quality poultry products for the market and compete effectively against the influx of frozen chicken from abroad.”
She urged potential investors to offer competitive start-up capital and resources aimed specifically at young women entrepreneurs. “By providing the necessary financial support, investors can play a crucial role in empowering the next generation of poultry farmers.”
Enhancing Market Access
John Dumelo, the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, assured the Daily Graphic that he would personally advocate for WIP VAC to gain better access to markets for their poultry products. He noted, “The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has received detailed proposals for ultra-modern processing facilities dedicated to poultry production, which will significantly enhance the industry.”
As part of the Nkokonkitinkiti program, Mr. Dumelo emphasized the ministry’s commitment to supporting women who aspire to enter the poultry industry. “I will ensure that when we begin distributing day-old chicks and essential feed, special consideration is given to women farmers,” he affirmed, highlighting the ministry’s priority on gender inclusivity.
He urged poultry farmers to invest in advanced technologies and select high-quality breeds to improve production efficiency and meet the increasing demands of Ghanaians for locally sourced poultry products. Mr. Dumelo concluded, “By embracing innovation and investing in quality, we can significantly uplift the poultry sector and ensure sustainability.”
