The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey has given a stern warning to Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) in the region that she would hold them accountable if they allow the Nkoko Nketenkete project to fail in their respective areas.

She has, therefore, called on the MDCEs to give the project the attention and seriousness it deserves so that President Mahama would not be disappointed in them.

The Nkoko Nketenkete project is a government initiative to boost household and backyard poultry production in the region to address the core of Ghana’s food security.

Each Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs) is expected to receive 10,000 birds as part of the project.

Launching the initiative in Koforidua last Monday, Mrs Awatey said the initiative's success in the region would largely depend on the beneficiaries, as the government had provided initial support, but the beneficiaries should demonstrate commitment, discipline and proper management to succeed.

The event brought together the Eastern Regional Director of Agriculture, Angela Owusu Ansah, representatives from the Feed Ghana Project, MDCEs, heads of departments and agencies, assembly members, extension officers and some farmers.

MDCEs

She said the initiative was part of the mandate of all the MDCEs in the region to personally monitor the progress of all the beneficiaries to adhere to its objective.

Mrs Awatey, therefore, warned that any MDCEs found wanting would be dealt with severely to serve as a deterrent to others.

She also called on all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, financial institutions, private investors, extension officers and development partners, to collaborate effectively with the government to realise the initiative's full potential.

Take good care

Mrs Awatey, who symbolically presented some of the birds to the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for New Juaben South, Ransford Owusu Boakye, asked all beneficiaries to take good care of the birds by strictly adhering to biosecurity and veterinary guidelines and maintaining proper housing and feeding standards to ensure their survival.

She added that, by doing so, the starter birds would grow into thriving poultry businesses serving the region and beyond.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for New Juaben South, Ransford Owusu Boakye, on behalf of all the MDCEs in the region, assured the regional minister that the Nkoko Nketenkete project would succeed.