The sixth edition of Ghana Poultry Day was officially launched in Accra, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, financial institutions, development partners, and agricultural stakeholders to chart a path toward a stronger and more self-sufficient poultry sector.
Leading the official launch, the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, called on stakeholders across the poultry value chain to actively play their respective roles in reducing the country’s heavy reliance on imported poultry products. He highlighted government’s commitment to revitalizing the sector through initiatives such as the Nkokor Nkitinkiti Project and other agricultural development programmes.
Mr. Dumelo disclosed that the first phase of bird distribution under the Nkoko Nkitinkiti programme has successfully been completed, with preparations underway to commence the second phase across the country.
The initiative forms part of government’s broader strategy to revitalize Ghana’s poultry industry, improve food security, create jobs, and reduce the country’s import bill.
He therefore commended Agrihouse Foundation for initiating this impactful annual project that is contributing immensely to the growth of the agricultural sector.
Speaking at the launch, the Executive Chair of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, outlined a bold vision for transforming Ghana’s poultry industry. She emphasized that the initiative seeks to drive local sector growth, increase poultry consumption, create sustainable employment opportunities for young people, attract strategic investments, strengthen food security, and significantly reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported poultry products.
She noted that the time had come for Ghanaians to support locally produced poultry and contribute to building a resilient national economy.
The National Coordinator of the Feed Ghana Programme, Bright Kwadzo Demordzi, underscored the importance of poultry development in advancing Ghana’s economy, noting that agriculture remains the backbone of national growth. He described the Nkokor Nkitinkiti Programme as a critical intervention that should be expanded across all sixteen regions of the country.
According to him, with collective effort and commitment from all stakeholders, Ghana can significantly reduce poultry imports and build a thriving local industry. He encouraged poultry farmers and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the government’s Poultry Revitalization Programme to expand production and strengthen the sector.
The Director of Animal Production at MoFA, Jonas Asare Bechie, highlighted the country’s continued dependence on imported poultry products, stressing that the situation costs Ghana substantial amounts of foreign exchange annually. He called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to reverse the trend and boost local production.
Addressing participants, Emmanuel Nyamekye of the Animal Welfare League urged poultry farmers to adopt best management practices that promote animal welfare and improve productivity. He emphasized the importance of maintaining proper housing, providing quality feed and treated water, ensuring animal health, and adhering to welfare standards to maximize production and profitability.
Representing the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), Kwame Atram reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting Ghana Poultry Day and broader poultry sector development initiatives. He described the partnership between ADB, Agrihouse Foundation, and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture as an important step toward transforming the poultry industry and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
The Deputy General Manager of Qualiplast Limited, Andrea Akl, reiterated the significant role the poultry industry plays in job creation, livelihood support, and national food security. She expressed confidence that Ghana has the capacity to expand local poultry production, reduce unemployment, support farmers, and lessen the nation’s dependence on imports.
She noted that achieving these goals would require strong collaboration among government institutions, private-sector actors, farmers, and industry stakeholders. She commended ongoing efforts under the Nkokor Nkitinkiti Programme and acknowledged the growing support from the private sector. Andrea Akl further pledged Qualiplast’s continued commitment to supporting agricultural initiatives through quality products and strategic partnerships that create value and drive impact across the agricultural value chain.
Also speaking at the event, the Vice President of the Ghana Chefs Association, Jove Ansah, expressed excitement about the Ghana Poultry Day initiative and confirmed the association’s participation in the main celebration scheduled for July 1, 2026.
The launch marked the beginning of activities leading up to the national observance of Ghana Poultry Day, an initiative spearheaded by Agrihouse Foundation to promote local poultry consumption, encourage investment, and drive sustainable growth within Ghana’s poultry industry.
A major highlight of this year’s event will be an innovative chef’s activation and cooking competition aimed at showcasing creative local poultry dishes and encouraging Ghanaians to patronize locally produced chicken.
The Foundation believes such initiatives will help increase consumer confidence in locally produced poultry while creating market opportunities for poultry farmers and processors.
Beyond advocacy and awareness creation, Ghana Poultry Day has over the years delivered direct support to poultry farmers and aspiring producers.
During the fifth edition of the event, more than 5,000 day-old chicks were distributed to selected beneficiaries across the country to encourage poultry farming and support livelihood development.
As stakeholders continue to unite around a common vision, Ghana Poultry Day is expected to serve as a catalyst for reducing poultry imports, strengthening local production, creating jobs, and enhancing the country’s food security agenda.