The government is set to officially launch the long-awaited Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme in the first week of October, after a brief postponement earlier this year.
The initiative, which aims to reduce Ghana’s over $300 million annual poultry import bill, was originally scheduled for July but was delayed due to limited stakeholder consultation, especially within the poultry sector.
Speaking to the media at the launch of the second phase of the West Africa Livestock Marketing Programme (PACBAO), organized by the ECOWAS Commission in Accra, Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, reassured poultry farmers that the new launch date will be honored.
“Plans are at an advanced stage. His Excellency the President is expected to officially launch the programme in the first week of October. Media will be invited, and immediately after, distribution will begin across constituencies to reach beneficiary farmers. We’re currently finalizing the beneficiary list and procurement processes,” the Minister stated.
The Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme is being positioned as a flagship agricultural intervention that will empower local poultry farmers, boost domestic production, and curb Ghana’s dependency on imported chicken.
Beyond saving foreign exchange, the initiative is also expected to create sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for women and youth in rural areas.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture says it remains committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure the successful rollout and long-term impact of the programme.
