Ghana’s drive to revitalize its poultry industry has received a significant boost as the European Union (EU) provides 150,000 day-old chicks to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, during his presentation at the Government Accountability Series held at the Presidency on Monday.
Hon. Opoku described the support as a timely intervention that will accelerate government’s efforts to rebuild the poultry value chain and reduce the country’s heavy dependence on imported poultry products.
According to the Minister, Ghana aims to achieve full poultry self-sufficiency by 2029, with strategic investments, partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives already underway.
“This partnership with the European Union is a clear demonstration of the confidence our development partners have in our agricultural transformation agenda,” Hon. Opoku said.
“The 150,000 day-old chicks will go directly to local farmers to expand production and strengthen the entire poultry ecosystem.”
The Minister noted that Ghana currently imports over four million dollars’ worth of poultry products annually, a trend he believes must be reversed if the country is to create sustainable jobs for the youth.
“The level of poultry imports is not only a drain on our foreign exchange but also affects job creation,” he emphasized. “When we empower our farmers, we empower our young people, and we build resilient local industries.”
He stated that the initiative aligns with government’s broader commitment to agribusiness development, food security, and rural economic growth.
Hon. Opoku reaffirmed the Ministry’s determination to collaborate with development partners, private investors, and farmer groups to ensure the success of the Poultry Industry Revitalization Programme.
“We are working to restore confidence in the sector,” he added. “With continued support and sustained investment, Ghana will be poultry sufficient by 2029.”
The European Union’s support is expected to stimulate growth in the poultry sector, enhance local production capacity, and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the country.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
