The Government of Ghana has reiterated its commitment to roll out the long-awaited ‘Nkoko Nkitinkiti’ Programme in the first week of October, an initiative aimed at cutting the country’s heavy dependence on imported poultry, which drains over $300 million annually.
Under the scheme, the state will acquire 3 million birds for distribution nationwide. Each constituency is set to receive 10,000 birds at no cost, while 50 commercial-scale farmers will be allocated 80,000 birds in total. Medium-scale farmers will also benefit, with allocations ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 birds each.
According to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, commercial and medium-scale farmers will be required to repay the cost of the birds, but the constituency allocations will remain free. The programme is expected to cost the government around GHC200 million.
Currently, Ghana imports more than 80% of its poultry consumption, a situation the Ministry has described as unsustainable. Officials believe the Nkoko Nkitinkiti initiative will help reduce imports, boost local production, and strengthen the poultry industry to meet growing demand.
The rollout, initially slated for July, was postponed, sparking frustration among farmers who sought clarity on timelines.
“It’s been touted for a long time, but from where we sit, I don’t know what is holding back the launch. What we are asking for is an update to farmer associations so we can plan accordingly. For instance, if I raise my birds now, in less than two months, they’ll be ready. But the question is, when they are fully matured, where do I take them?” — Kwame Anim Somuah, President of the Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association
Addressing stakeholders recently, Minister of Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku assured that the programme is firmly on course.
“Plans are at an advanced stage, and it is expected that by the first week of October, His Excellency the President will officially launch the programme. The media will be invited, after which distribution will begin across constituencies. We are finalising the beneficiary list and completing procurement processes with contractors. Very soon, implementation will take off,” he said.
The initiative is being hailed as a potential turning point for Ghana’s poultry sector, with hopes that it will not only reduce imports but also create jobs, stabilise prices, and empower local farmers.
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