Accra: Ghanaians have expressed strong support for the government's Nkoko Nkitinkiti poultry initiative, urging its swift implementation to reduce the country's heavy dependence on imported frozen chicken. The programme, launched in November 2025 by President John Dramani Mahama under the 'Feed Ghana' agenda, seeks to boost local poultry production, create jobs, and cut Ghana's annual chicken import bill, estimated at about 400 million dollars.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Kusi Owusu, a resident of Tema, welcomed the initiative, saying it would help reduce the consumption of imported frozen chicken, which he described as having potential health implications. He noted that prolonged freezing often led to quality degradation, including freezer burn, texture changes caused by ice crystal damage, and reduced flavor when compared to freshly processed poultry.
Madam Yawa Mawulolo, an egg seller at the Tema Central Market, urged the government to begin implementing the programme early in the year, noting that increased local poultry production would stabilize the supply of eggs and chicken. She said the programme would help reduce prices and make eggs more affordable for households.
Ni Laryea Armah, a poultry farmer in Accra, expressed that poultry farmers across the country fully supported the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention to enhance food security and ensure access to affordable protein for healthy living. Mr. Sowah Ashitey, also a poultry farmer in Accra, commended the government for prioritizing job creation for rural communities, women, and the youth through the programme. He, however, appealed to stakeholders to support the government in addressing challenges across the entire poultry value chain, including the production of local feed, access to improved breeds, and expanded processing capacity to strengthen poultry businesses.