By Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako
More than 300 farmers and households in the Ketu South Municipality are expected to benefit from the government’s “Nkoko Nketenkete” poultry distribution programme, an initiative aimed at promoting backyard poultry production, improving household nutrition, and creating sustainable sources of income for families across the country.
The intervention, spearheaded by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), forms part of government’s broader strategy to enhance food security, reduce poverty, and encourage small-scale poultry farming in both rural and urban communities.
Speaking during the n exercise, Ministry of Food and Agriculture Coordinator, for Ketu South, Mr. Kafui Agbley, explained that the programme is designed to empower families by providing them with poultry that can be raised for egg production, meat consumption, and commercial purposes.
According to Mr. Agbley, the “Nkoko Nketenkete” initiative seeks to revive household poultry farming while reducing Ghana’s dependence on imported poultry products.
He said beneficiaries would also receive guidance on proper poultry management, feeding, vaccination, and disease prevention to ensure the birds survive and multiply.
“The objective of this programme is to improve household incomes, strengthen food security, create employment opportunities, and encourage every family to see poultry farming as a viable economic activity. If properly managed, these birds can multiply and become an important source of livelihood,” he stated.
Mr. Agbley urged beneficiaries to treat the birds as productive assets rather than immediate sources of food, emphasizing that proper care would allow the project to yield long-term economic benefits.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Ketu South, Hon. Nicholas K. Worclachie, advised beneficiaries to take good care of the birds and ensure they are protected from diseases, theft, and poor feeding practices.
He said the programme represents an important investment by government and should not be taken for granted.
The MCE encouraged recipients to build appropriate shelters, provide adequate feeding and clean water, and seek veterinary assistance whenever necessary to maximize production.
“Government has made this investment to improve your livelihoods. I encourage every beneficiary to nurture these birds carefully so that they can multiply and generate sustainable income for your families,” Hon. Worclachie said.
He expressed optimism that the programme would contribute significantly to local economic development while helping increase poultry production within the municipality.
Some beneficiaries who spoke to News Volta welcomed the initiative and described it as timely, especially in the face of rising food prices and economic challenges.
Mad. Afi one of the beneficiaries, said the programme would help supplement her family’s income if the birds are properly raised.
“I am very grateful to government. I intend to rear the birds well so they can multiply and support my household financially,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Kwesi, noted that the initiative could encourage young people to venture into poultry farming as a business.
“If we receive continuous technical support from MoFA officers, many of us can expand this into commercial poultry farming and create jobs for ourselves,” he told News Volta.
Several beneficiaries also appealed to government to provide additional support in the form of poultry feed, vaccines, and extension services to ensure the long-term success of the programme.
Source News Volta
