Ghana’s Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has strongly defended the Nkoko Nkitinkiti programme. He stated the initiative remains on track despite recent criticisms. The programme aims to reduce Ghana’s substantial chicken import bill and has achieved significant success.
Mr. Opoku highlighted the programme’s impact through declining prices of poultry and poultry products nationwide. He noted that a chicken previously sold for GHS 250 to GHS 300 in 2024. Today, a year into the programme, the same chicken sells for GHS 100, and sometimes as low as GHS 80 in certain areas. This represents a price reduction of up to 68 percent.
This initiative is a flagship component of the government's broader Feed Ghana programme, specifically targeting poultry industry revitalisation. It aims to support 60,000 households across the country. The programme aligns with Ghana's long-term goal of achieving food security and reducing reliance on imports, which has been a persistent challenge for the nation's economy. Increased local production directly impacts the balance of payments by reducing foreign exchange outflows.
Mr. Opoku, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Asunafo South, attributed the current abundance of poultry to the programme. He stated that the reduction in prices is a direct result of deliberate government investment in the sector. He dismissed claims that the initiative had failed, arguing that critics misunderstood its ultimate purpose. He explained that while the programme provides livelihoods, the birds are ultimately reared for consumption, whether sold or consumed by beneficiaries.
The Minister’s comments follow scrutiny after he appeared before a Parliamentary Committee. During that appearance, he indicated some beneficiaries had consumed the birds rather than rearing them for commercial production. Mr. Opoku clarified that his comments were misconstrued for political purposes. He maintained that evidence shows the majority of beneficiaries are raising birds for commercial purposes, contributing to the increased supply.
The sustained glut in egg supply over the last year further supports the programme's success, according to Mr. Opoku. This was not the case before the policy's implementation. Government interventions addressing the high cost of feed, a major concern for poultry farmers, have also contributed to lower production costs. Thousands of households have received six-week-old chicks, with many expanding their stock. This expansion signals a growing local poultry industry, potentially creating more jobs and strengthening the agricultural sector.
Looking ahead, the continued monitoring of poultry prices and import volumes will be crucial. The government's ability to sustain feed subsidies and expand the Nkoko Nkitinkiti programme will determine its long-term impact. Decision-makers will watch for further reductions in the import bill and sustained affordability of poultry products for Ghanaian consumers. The programme's success could serve as a model for other agricultural sub-sectors aiming for self-sufficiency.