Poultry farmers have welcomed the government’s Feed Ghana programme saying it will help to revive the ailing poultry sector.

In an interview with TV3 on Monday [April 14, 2025], the Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Poultry Farmers, George Dassah, described the launch of the programme as a “welcoming development,” noting that the sector has been in decline for years.

“This is a step in the right direction,” he said. “We only hope that this time, implementation will be taken seriously. Over the years, successive governments have introduced good policies, but the challenge has always been with execution.”

Mr Dassah called for a comprehensive approach that addresses the full poultry value chain—from the production of cereals for feed to processing, storage, and distribution. He emphasised the importance of investing in regional processing plants and developing strong local marketing channels.

The Feed Ghana programme launched by President John Mahama on Saturday, is aimed at transforming Ghana’s food systems by increasing production, creating jobs for the youth, and reducing the country’s reliance on food imports.

A key component of the programme targets poultry production, with plans to support 50 anchor farmers to rear four million birds, yielding approximately 10,000 metric tonnes of chicken for the domestic market. The initiative is expected to help slash Ghana’s annual poultry import bill, estimated at $400 million.

“If government institutions like schools, the military, and prisons are directed to source their poultry needs locally, it would create a ready market and give farmers the confidence to scale up production,” George Dassah stated.