Accra: Dr Kwasi Nyame Baafi, an economist, has expressed concerns that certain economic policies of the government could potentially undermine the growth of the local poultry industry. He commended the implementation of the government's 'Nkoko Nketenkete' initiative, highlighting that the program is designed to expand the local poultry sector and encourage Ghanaians to consume local poultry products.
According to Ghana News Agency, President John Dramani Mahama launched the government's flagship poultry revitalization program, the 'Nkoko Nketenkete' initiative, in 2025. This program is more than just a job-creation effort; it is a strategic policy aimed at reducing the significant importation of frozen chicken by distributing three million poultry birds.
Dr Baafi, who also serves as the Deputy Director of Research of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), pointed out that some of the government's policy decisions remain unfriendly and may potentially hinder the successful implementation of the 'Nkoko Nketenkete' program. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Dr Baafi stated, "The price of imported frozen chicken is now much cheaper because of the over-artificial appreciation of the Ghana cedi."
He further questioned the government's approach: "If the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Ghana are pursuing an exchange rate policy that will make imported chicken much cheaper, then why does the government claim they are trying to boost local production of poultry?" Dr Baafi argued that by artificially appreciating the local currency, the government is not supporting local poultry production but instead risking the collapse of the industry.