President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a bold vision to make Ghana fully self-sufficient in chicken production within the next three years, as part of his government’s drive to revitalise the poultry sector and cut down on imports.
The President made the announcement during a working visit to the National Service Authority (NSA) Poultry Farm at Haatso in Accra on Friday, September 12, 2025.
Despite heavy rains, President Mahama toured the pens, inspected the birds, and examined the modern technology in use. He praised the facility as a model for agricultural transformation.
“What is happening here is very impressive. I promise to help you to develop this poultry farm into a centre of excellence — a producing farm, a training farm, and a research farm,” he declared.
Finance Ministry to Step In
Mahama disclosed that he had directed the Finance Minister to personally visit the site to assess its operations and recommend areas requiring government support.
“This will ensure that the sector receives the necessary financial and policy backing,” he assured.
New Initiative: Nkoko Nkitikiti
The President also announced a new poultry development programme, Nkoko Nkitikiti, to be launched next month. The initiative will provide structured support for large-scale, medium, and household poultry farmers.
The scheme will supply day-old chicks, introduce research-led innovations, and boost local capacity for broiler production.
“Our ultimate goal is to halt the massive importation of poultry products and retain millions of dollars within the local economy. We want to eat home-grown Ghanaian chickens,” Mahama said, receiving loud applause from farmers and stakeholders.
National Service Secretariat’s Role
The Director-General of the National Service Secretariat (NSS), Ms Ruth Dela Seddoh, revealed that the farm, which started in the 1990s with just 2,500 birds, now houses over 100,000 birds, with 70,000 active since January 2025.
She explained that the initiative aligns with the NSS’s Feed Ghana Agenda under the Nkokɔ Nketekete project, designed to equip graduates with practical agricultural skills.
Ms Seddoh also introduced a vertically integrated poultry model, covering feed production, egg production, broiler processing, and packaging — all aimed at tackling high input costs and weak supply chains.
“Achieving your aim to revolutionise this industry and create tens of thousands of jobs is not just possible — it is non-negotiable,” she said, urging government support for a modern processing plant.
Why It Matters
- Boosts food security.
- Creates jobs for the youth.
- Reduces foreign imports and retains millions in the local economy.
- Establishes Ghana as a leader in poultry production in West Africa.
The initiative is expected to be a major pillar of Mahama’s agricultural transformation agenda, positioning Ghana towards full self-reliance in poultry and contributing to broader economic growth.
Source: My News Ghana
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