In a renewed effort to promote food self-sufficiency and strengthen the nation’s agricultural economy, President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaians to actively support and consume locally produced poultry. Speaking during the launch of the “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” Poultry Initiative in Kumasi, the President emphasized the importance of patronizing Ghanaian chicken, highlighting that the survival and growth of the poultry sector depend greatly on the choices made by consumers.
According to the President, the call for patronage of local poultry is not merely about preference but about national development and pride. He explained that every chicken produced and sold within the country contributes to the creation of jobs, supports farmers, and strengthens Ghana’s economy. Mahama encouraged citizens to “take pride in eating what we produce,” stressing that local consumption directly impacts food security and rural development.
He further noted that the poultry industry has immense potential to reduce unemployment and enhance the livelihoods of many families across the country. However, this potential can only be realized when Ghanaians collectively decide to substitute imported chicken with locally grown and processed poultry. The President acknowledged that imported frozen chicken continues to dominate the market, creating unfair competition for local farmers, but reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reversing this trend.
To address the challenges faced by farmers, especially poultry, maize, and rice producers struggling with surplus production and low market prices, President Mahama announced an additional financial package to stabilize the sector. He directed the Ministry of Finance to release an extra GHC 200 million to support the purchase of surplus maize and rice from farmers. This comes on top of an earlier GHC 100 million intervention, bringing total government support to GHC 300 million.
The financial assistance aims to cushion farmers against the effects of excess supply and fluctuating market conditions, ensuring that their efforts do not go unrewarded. The President explained that the government’s intervention would also help ensure the availability of affordable feed for poultry producers, thereby boosting egg and meat production across the country.
Mahama stressed that the vision behind the Nkoko Nkitinkiti initiative goes beyond short-term relief—it is a long-term plan to transform Ghana’s agricultural landscape. The government, he said, is working to integrate local feed production, hatchery development, and market access to make poultry farming a viable and sustainable business for thousands of Ghanaians.
He also underscored the importance of collaboration between farmers, private investors, and research institutions to enhance production efficiency and breed improvement. By adopting modern farming techniques and embracing innovation, Ghana’s poultry sector could become competitive not only within the local market but also regionally.
The President concluded by reaffirming his administration’s dedication to empowering farmers through continuous investment, training, and infrastructure development. He called on citizens, corporate bodies, and stakeholders to support the government’s efforts by purchasing Ghana-made poultry products. According to him, true progress in agriculture begins when citizens believe in the quality and value of their own produce.
If fully embraced, this campaign for local patronage, coupled with strategic government funding, and could mark a turning point for Ghana’s poultry industry. It sets the stage for a future where Ghana can meet its domestic demand for chicken, create thousands of jobs, and position itself as a leading poultry producer in West Africa.
