Sunyani: The Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), a human rights and media advocacy Non-Governmental Organisation, has called for an urgent review of the implementation of the government's 'Nkoko Nketenkete' programme to ensure the nation derives optimum benefits from the initiative.
According to Ghana News Agency, the foundation issued a statement indicating that the 'Nkoko Nketenkete' programme has the potential to transform the nation's poultry sector, create jobs, and reduce the heavy dependence on imported poultry products. However, the distribution of chicks and the current implementation approach may limit the overall effectiveness of the programme, as stated by Mr. Raphael Godlove Ahenu, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GloMeF.
Launched in 2025, the government designed the programme to support large-scale household and backyard poultry production across the country. It aims to distribute about three million birds to between 55,000 and 60,000 households. Statistics reveal that the government has so far distributed approximately 720,000 birds to over 13,000 farmers, while the country spends over $300 million annually on poultry imports, highlighting the programme's importance.
The statement emphasized that while the programme's ambition is commendable, its success largely depends on implementation quality, transparency, and sustained technical support. Emerging challenges such as beneficiary targeting gaps, monitoring systems, and post-distribution support could undermine the initiative's long-term impact and need to be addressed.
The foundation further stressed that 'Nkoko Nketenkete' is a strong policy idea, but its implementation model requires a review to ensure efficiency, fairness, and sustainability. It highlighted that the number of birds distributed should not be the sole measure of success; productivity and the long-term survival of poultry businesses must also be considered.
GloMeF urged the government to enhance beneficiary selection, tracking systems, veterinary, feed, and technical extension support, along with the monitoring and evaluation framework. Additionally, it called for strengthened transparency and accountability in bird distribution and the creation of stronger poultry value chain linkages for sustainability.
The statement concluded by noting that with the right reforms, the 'Nkoko Nketenkete' programme could significantly advance the agricultural sector, drive rural development, improve youth employment, and achieve national food sufficiency and security.