It has been reported that the Government has started the process of procuring birds and battery cages for farmers and households to commence the poultry production initiative, otherwise known as the ‘Nkoko Nkitinkiti’ project, Mr Eric Opoku, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, said on Saturday.
He announced plans to officially launch the initiative within the next two to three months, saying the project piloting was expected to commence in the coming weeks.
Mr Opoku disclosed this at the maiden AgriFair organised by Citi FM and Channel One Television in Accra.
The ‘Nkoko Nkitinkiti’ project is an initiative by the Government to revitalise the country’s poultry industry and reduce reliance on imported chicken.
This initiative was announced by Mr. John Dramani Mahama when he was campaigning to become President. With him ascending to the Presidency, it is clear that he wants to breathe life into the dream in order to stave off accusations that he was unable to meet a campaign pledge.
The Daily Searchlight commends the President for the attempt, but we must also make clear, at the outset, that this is an ill-advised, ill-fated project. Again, in all likelihood, since it will accompanied by procurement, it will, in future, tell its own tale of unbridled corruption down the line. This is without fail.
Instead, we believe that the government would do well to engage the Poultry Farmers Association of Ghana as well as established poultry producers in the country on how to maximize their output as well as reduce their cost of operations.
Ghana’s poultry industry is plagued by many problems, the biggest of which is getting access to cheap feed. In that sense, a project such as the ‘Nkoko Nkitinkiti’ project would very soon find itself hampered by inadequate feed stocks and supply.
Secondly, in a highly politicized nation like Ghana, government, such a government policy would first and foremost be plagued by corruption. Secondly, it will be plagued by partisanship. The biggest beneficiaries would be supporters of the ruling party, and inevitably, these same supporters would end up squandering the support.
We believe that if it is the intention to boost the poultry industry, then the surest and safest way is to ensure that the policy succeeds, is to work with those who are already in the industry. With some optimism (hopefully) this may lead to higher production of cheap poultry meat and eggs.
Otherwise, it would be better to forget about the entire policy as most likely to lump Ghana with even more debt.
(Editorial of the Daily Searchlight of 23rd June, 2025)
