Nkoko Nketenkete Project: Ghana Targets 75% Poultry Self-Sufficiency by 2028 – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has launched the Nkoko Nketenkete Project, a flagship national initiative aimed at transforming Ghana’s poultry sector and reducing the country’s heavy reliance on imported chicken.

Speaking at the official launch of the project in Kumasi, President Mahama announced that Ghana is targeting 75% poultry self-sufficiency by 2028, up from the current 12%. He said the initiative forms part of government’s Feed Ghana Program, which focuses on strengthening food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Reflecting on the origins of the project, President Mahama humorously recalled, “When I was campaigning during the 2024 election, I intended to say Nkoko Mma, but a slip of the tongue made me say Nkoko Nketenkete. Today, that slip of the tongue has become a national movement.”

He added that while the beginning of every major project may come with challenges, the Nkoko Nketenkete initiative “will prove to be fruitful and profitable.”

President Mahama commended Ghanaians for their support and described the program as a “courageous national step” toward food independence. “Ghana spent $350 million in 2023 to import chicken,” he said. “If we don’t reduce our importation of chicken, our local poultry industry will never progress.”

Under the project, the government will distribute three million birds across 275 constituencies nationwide. Each constituency will receive about 10,000 birds, with 200 households expected to benefit. Every participating household will receive 50 vaccinated birds to begin poultry farming, supported by feed and training to ensure success.

President Mahama also revealed plans for a modern poultry processing factory at Bechem in the Ahafo Region, where locally reared birds will be processed for the market. “Construction will begin in two weeks,” he announced, emphasizing that the factory will create jobs and support the entire poultry value chain.

He urged all citizens—especially the youth—to take advantage of the opportunity to build sustainable agribusinesses. “The success of this program depends on our collective effort,” he said. “The youth must seize this chance to build farming businesses that will transform their lives and our nation’s economy.”

President Mahama also appealed to traditional and religious leaders to use their influence to inspire participation and champion the program within their communities.

“The Nkoko Nketenkete Project is more than a poultry program—it is a vision for national self-reliance, economic empowerment, and food security,” he declared.

“The government is fully committed to providing the enabling environment to ensure its success.”