The government says it has distributed 720,000 birds under the Nkoko Nkitinkiti initiative as part of efforts to boost domestic poultry production.

A total of 13,000 farmers in twelve districts benefited from the distribution. The beneficiary areas include Tamale Metro, Wa Municipal, Nanton, Savelugu, Mion, Krachi East, Bawku West, West Gonja, Nandom, Sissala East, East Mamprusi, and Mamprugu Moagduri.

Food and Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku, speaking during the Government Accountability Series, revealed that some beneficiaries also received battery cages to enhance backyard poultry rearing.

He explained that the pilot phase was designed to help the Ministry assess potential risks associated with the Nkoko Nketenkete programme, adding that its success has paved the way for nationwide implementation.

President John Dramani Mahama launched the initiative on November 12, 2025, describing it as a significant move to revive the poultry sector and cut dependence on imported chicken.

The programme is expected to support around 55,000 households to produce eggs and poultry, with the broader goal of creating jobs and improving national food security.

Ghana currently spends about $300 million each year on chicken imports, and authorities hope the initiative will help reduce that figure.

According to Mr Opoku, the intervention particularly targets vulnerable groups, including women-led households, with the aim of improving nutrition, boosting income levels, and increasing participation in food production.

He further announced that a poultry processing facility will be set up in Bechem in the Ahafo Region to process growing output.

“With the substantial investment being made in the poultry sector and the Ministry’s strong mobilisation efforts, we expect significant increases in production in the months ahead. This informed the decision to establish a poultry processing factory in Bechem,” he said.

He added that procurement processes have been finalised, and a sod-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, 27 November 2025, to be performed by President Mahama.