Nkoko Nkitinkiti initiative aims to cut poultry imports, empower 55,000 households, and boost local egg and chicken production nationwide.
ACCRA: Ghana’s government has confirmed that its flagship Nkoko Nkitinkiti Poultry Self-Sufficiency Programme will officially launch in the first week of October 2025, following a short delay from the original July rollout. The programme is expected to slash the country’s $300 million annual expenditure on imported chicken and eggs while building a robust domestic poultry industry.
Food and Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku announced that the delay allowed for broader stakeholder engagement to ensure the programme meets farmers’ needs. “Plans are at an advanced stage, and it is expected that by the first week of October, His Excellency the President will officially launch the programme,” Opoku said after inaugurating the second phase of the West Africa Livestock Marketing Programme in Accra.
Empowering 55,000 Households
The Nkoko Nkitinkiti initiative, highlighted in President John Dramani Mahama’s State of the Nation Address earlier this year, seeks to empower 55,000 households nationwide to raise broiler chickens and egg-laying hens. Participants will receive chicks, feed, and technical support to ensure successful production.
The government is also setting up regional poultry processing hubs to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access, creating a complete value chain from farm to market.
Reducing Import Dependency
Ghana currently imports a large share of its poultry products, placing pressure on foreign exchange reserves. By building domestic capacity, the programme aims to reverse this trend, strengthen food security, and generate significant foreign exchange savings.
Officials expect the programme to create sustainable jobs, particularly for youth and women in rural communities, while improving nutrition through wider access to fresh poultry and eggs.
Industry Confidence And Support
Industry stakeholders have cautiously welcomed the revised timeline, emphasizing the need for robust technical assistance, fair pricing, and reliable market access. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has been finalizing procurement of birds, battery cages, and distribution logistics since June 2025 to meet programme targets.
The October launch will mark one of the most significant agricultural development milestones in Ghana’s recent history. Its success could position Ghana as a major player in West Africa’s poultry market, strengthen rural economies, and cut the country’s heavy reliance on imports.
