President John Mahama has launched the ‘Nkoko Nkitinkiti’ programme, one of his government’s flagship initiatives, in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital.
The project, which falls under the broader Feed Ghana Programme, aims to boost local poultry production, create jobs, and reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported chicken.
Speaking at the launch, National Feed Ghana Coordinator Bright Kwadzo Demordzi explained that the initiative will provide selected beneficiaries with free birds and feed to start or expand their poultry farms.
He noted that interested individuals must visit their District Agriculture Directorate to pick up registration forms before officials conduct inspections to verify eligibility.
“Each constituency across the country will benefit from about 10,000 birds,” Mr Demordzi said. “However, the selection of beneficiaries depends on the Animal Production Directorate. They will visit your environment to see where you intend to keep the birds because that is very important. If there’s no space, it means you are not qualified.”
He stressed that the goal is to ensure recipients can properly care for the birds.
“If you are in an environment that is comfortable for the birds, then you will be given. It’s not just about giving out birds; you must be able to take care of them to benefit. These birds are not to be returned — once given, they are yours forever,” he added.
According to Mr Demordzi, both broilers and layers will be distributed under the project. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture will also provide ongoing management and technical support to beneficiaries.
He advised potential applicants without suitable spaces to wait until they are ready, adding: “You have to go to the district director of agriculture in your area. Their officers will inspect your environment, and if it’s conducive for the birds, you’ll be given a form to fill out. The form helps us record your details and location so that if there are problems with the birds, we can locate you and offer technical advice.”
Earlier this year, President Mahama announced that the first processing plant under the Nkoko Nkitinkiti project was in the procurement stage. Mr Demordzi has now confirmed that the procurement phase has been completed, paving the way for the President to officially cut the sod for construction to begin.