The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has issued a stern warning to all Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) in the region, stating they will be held responsible if the government’s flagship poultry revitalization initiative, “Nkoko Nketenkete”, under the broader Feed Ghana Programme, fails in their jurisdictions.
Speaking at a handing-over ceremony at the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council, Minister Awatey urged MDCEs to deploy the necessary technical support to beneficiaries, closely monitor progress, and ensure a high survival rate of the starter birds to achieve sustainability.
“The poultry sub-sector is one of the most critical components of Ghana’s agricultural industry,” the Minister emphasized. “Beyond nutrition and health benefits, it provides employment opportunities, particularly for women and youth, and has the potential to reduce our over-reliance on imported poultry products, saving valuable foreign exchange.”
She cited Ministry of Food and Agriculture data showing that Ghana consumes approximately 400,000 metric tonnes of poultry annually, while local production accounts for only 15,000 metric tonnes—a significant gap that results in an estimated US$400 million spent on imports each year.
“It is in response to this challenge that His Excellency the President, under his Resetting Agenda, launched the ‘Nkoko Nketenkete’ Initiative,” the Minister said. “This program strategically supports farmers with birds and essential logistics, empowering households, youth, and agripreneurs to venture into poultry production.”
The initiative aims to rebuild confidence in the poultry sector, increase local production, create sustainable employment, and strengthen food security. Minister Awatey encouraged beneficiaries to adhere strictly to veterinary guidelines, maintain proper housing and feeding standards, and grow their enterprises beyond the initial support provided.
“The starter birds you receive today are an investment in livelihoods, local enterprise, and Ghana’s economic resilience. When we strengthen local production, we reduce imports and protect our foreign exchange,” she said.
