By Government has set a target of producing over 10 million chicks under the Nkoko Nkitinkititi project as it scales up the nationwide rollout of the initiative.
The programme forms part of broader efforts to boost local poultry production, reduce dependence on imported chicken, and create jobs across the poultry value chain.
Speaking at the launch of the Greater Accra chapter of the project, National Coordinator of the Feed Ghana Programme, Bright Demordzi, emphasised the strategic importance of the initiative to Ghana’s import substitution agenda and 24-hour economy policy.
“We want to reinforce Ghana’s import substitution and 24-hour economy strategy with poultry feeds identified as a priority agro-induced commodity or industrial commodity,” he said.
He added that in the medium term, sustained scaling of the Nkoko Nkitikiti project is expected to cut poultry imports by 50 percent, while repositioning the country towards self-sufficiency in poultry production.
“In the medium term, sustained scaling of the Nkoko Nkitikiti project is to cut down poultry imports, filled by 50% while repositioning the country towards self-sufficiency in poultry needs and production,” he stated.
Mr Demordzi further announced on behalf of the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, that beneficiary registration forms had been dispatched to all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), with their respective Departments of Agriculture providing support.
“I am pleased to announce that beneficiary registration forms have been dispatched to all MMDAs to be assisted by their respective Department of Agriculture. Today marks the official commencement of the poultry distribution to registered beneficiaries in the Greater Accra Region, with a phased roll-out in all the regions across the country that are ready,” he said.
He noted that the intervention prioritises youth and women-led enterprises, small and medium poultry farmers, as well as farmers willing to comply strictly with animal health, biosecurity, and extension guidelines.
Emphasising the significance of the project, Mr Demordzi declared, “The figures I have shared today make one clear statement: Ghana can no longer afford to import what it has the capacity to produce.”
He described the initiative as more than just a poultry project.
“Nkoko Nkitikiti goes beyond a stand-alone poultry project. It functions as an economic revitalisation instrument, an employment generation platform, and a food security measure under the broader Feed Ghana Programme,” he explained.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Mr Demordzi said the administration under President John Dramani Mahama remains firmly focused on maintaining the programme’s momentum, expanding production, and collaborating with stakeholders to develop a strong, competitive, and self-reliant poultry industry in Ghana.
Meanwhile, Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo addressed participants during the authorisation and distribution of day-old chicks and essential materials for the project.
“This initiative is designed to rebuild critical sectors of our economy, empower Ghanaians to play a leading role in our national development journey,” she said.
She explained that in line with this vision, the project will support households across the country to produce fresh eggs and poultry products for local markets.
Under the Feed Ghana Programme, she noted, the government is implementing a three-track strategy to revitalise the national poultry value chain, supporting small household producers, medium-scale farmers, and large commercial operations alike.
“This strategy aims to ensure that we produce more of the poultry we consume, create meaningful employment value, and significantly reduce our reliance on imported poultry products. Today’s gathering marks the commencement of an important exercise, which is the formal authorisation of the Nkoko Nkitikiti project and distribution of day-old chicks and essential inputs to beneficiaries across the region,” she said.
Detailing how the distribution will be carried out, Ms Ocloo indicated that each constituency will receive 10,000 bags, while each beneficiary will receive 50 bags, alongside feed and food technical support.
“This approach will empower households, strengthen small and medium agribusinesses, and lay a solid foundation for a competitive and sustainable poultry industry. As a region, we fully recognise the immense opportunity this project presents,” she added.
She urged all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCs) to ensure that the distribution process is conducted diligently, transparently, and fairly.
On the proper utilisation of the inputs, she called on beneficiaries to adhere strictly to the technical guidelines provided.
“Let us all ensure that beneficiaries make full use of the technical guidelines and inputs provided. Let us remember that sustainable development begins at the household level, where we empower individuals and families to produce.
We strengthen the ability of our communities to grow and progress. Let us work together to build a strong, vibrant, and self-sustaining poultry sector, one that brings prosperity to the household and pride to the people of the Greater Accra Region and to Ghana as a whole,” she urged.
She commended the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Feed Ghana coordinator, and the staff whose dedication made the rollout possible.
“This intervention is indeed a resetting agenda in action, practical, inclusive, and intentionally designed to restore our capacity to produce, process, and consume what we grow,” she said.
