Says Project Marks “Decisive Step Toward a Self-Sustaining Poultry Value Chain”
President John Dramani Mahama has broken ground for the construction of a major Poultry, Meat and Feed Processing Facility in Bechem, describing it as “one of the signature investments under the Feed Ghana programme and a vital pillar in our broader vision to reset our economy, industrialize agriculture and strengthen food security.”
The President said the project represents more than a ceremonial event, noting that it constitutes “a decisive national step forward towards building an integrated and self-sustaining poultry value chain—one that empowers farmers, reduces reliance on imports, and creates high-quality jobs for young people.”
For decades, Ghana has spent between $300 million and $400 million annually on poultry imports. President Mahama said the new facility is part of an end-to-end transformation approach intended to boost domestic production, expand processing and storage capacity, reduce feed costs the highest expense in poultry farming and create dependable markets for farmers.
State-of-the-Art Poultry Industrial Hub
He described the Bechem project as a state-of-the-art agro-industrial hub designed to power every segment of the poultry value chain. The facility will host:
A modern feed processing plant for high-quality, affordable feed
A hygienic meat processing unit built to domestic and export standards
A training academy for youth, farmers, and technical personnel
Dormitories and accommodation for long-term trainees
Cold storage and dry warehouses to preserve quality and reduce losses
“This is not merely an industrial plant,” Mahama said. “It is a center of excellence for poultry development, innovation, research, and agribusiness incubation. It will serve as a magnet for private sector investment and a foundation for rural industrialization.”
He added that similar facilities will be built across the country to offtake increased production under the government’s Cook-on-Kitten-Kitty initiative.
Massive Benefits for Farmers and the Economy
The President highlighted the far-reaching impact of the project, noting that farmers will gain access to affordable feed, improved competitiveness, and guaranteed market access.
“From production to processing, packaging, distribution, and retailing, thousands of jobs will be created,” he said. “This investment supports our goal of significantly reducing poultry imports and retaining value within the domestic economy.”
He emphasized that continuous operation of agro-industrial facilities like this is a demonstration of what a functional 24-hour economy looks like.
Part of a Broader Poultry Transformation Agenda
Mahama said the project forms part of several reinforcing interventions under the Feed Ghana Poultry Transformation Plan, which includes:
The Poultry Farmer-to-Table Project supporting 50 commercial farms and 500 SMEs
The Cook-on-Kitten-Kitty backyard poultry initiative targeting 3 million birds for women and youth
The CROELA programme scaling access to hardy dual-purpose breeds
Revamped hatcheries, breeder farms, and veterinary services nationwide
“Together, these interventions will form a complete national poultry ecosystem, restoring Ghana’s leadership in poultry production in West Africa,” he stated.
Boost for School Feeding and Institutional Farms
President Mahama disclosed that the School Feeding Programme has been directed to procure locally produced poultry, providing a guaranteed national market.
He also announced plans to launch a Schools Poultry and Livestock Project, which will encourage institutions to operate their own farms for consumption and commercial use.
Ahafo Chosen for Strategic Reasons
He explained that the Ahafo Region was deliberately chosen for the project because of its dynamic food production capacity and strong linkages to major poultry hubs in Bono and Ashanti.
“This facility will serve as a central processing and training corridor, supporting surrounding districts and deepening regional integration in the poultry and livestock value chains,” he said.
Construction is expected to be completed within 12 months.
Call for Discipline and Transparency
The President thanked the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, district and regional authorities, development partners, investors, farmer cooperatives, and community stakeholders for their support.
“Our success will depend on discipline, transparency, effective management and community support,” he cautioned. “I urge all stakeholders to work collaboratively to make this a model agro-industrial facility for our nation.”
He concluded: “This project brings us closer to a future where Ghana produces what it consumes, adds value to what it grows, and creates jobs through rural industrialization.”
He then officially broke ground for the construction of the Bechem Poultry, Meat and Feed Processing Facility.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
