The Nkosuohene of Kromam Ejumaku, has commended the government’s reduction in maize prices, describing it as a significant intervention that has brought much-needed relief to poultry farmers across the country.
He said the government’s efforts to support the poultry sector through lower maize prices and the Nkokɔ Nkitinkiti programme could help increase local poultry production, reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported chicken and strengthen the country’s food security.
Speaking on Adekyee Mu Nsem, the morning programme on Ahotor FM hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra, Nana Adjumak noted that the sharp decline in maize prices has significantly reduced the cost of poultry feed, which remains the largest production expense for poultry farmers.
According to him, a 50-kilogram bag of maize that sold for about GH¢400 in 2023 now costs between GH¢170 and GH¢180, describing the price reduction as one of the most impactful interventions introduced by the government.
He explained that the previous high cost of maize increased production expenses, disrupted poultry farming operations and drove up the prices of eggs and chicken, forcing many consumers to reduce their purchases.
“When maize prices increased, production costs also went up, and consumption declined because many people could no longer afford poultry products. With maize now selling between GH¢170 and GH¢180, production costs will reduce, poultry products will become more affordable, and consumption is expected to increase,” he said.
Nkokɔ Nkitinkiti Programme
Commenting on the government’s Nkokɔ Nkitinkiti programme, Nana Adjumak described it as a timely initiative with the potential to transform Ghana’s poultry industry if implemented effectively.
He stressed that the programme should be treated as a national development initiative rather than a political project.
“I’m not against the Nkokɔ Nkitinkiti programme. It is a priority programme and should not be politicised. It has the potential to transform the poultry sector if it is implemented properly,” he stated.
However, he emphasised that the programme requires better planning and closer collaboration between implementing agencies and poultry farmers.
According to him, officials should engage poultry farmers before distributing birds to assess their willingness to participate and determine whether they have the financial capacity to manage the birds throughout the production cycle.
He explained that farmers who receive the birds must feed and care for them for approximately five months before they begin generating any income.
Nana Adjumak noted that a farmer managing about 1,500 layer birds could spend nearly GH¢1,000 each day on feed during that period without earning any revenue, making careful beneficiary selection essential.
“They should consult the farmers first and ask whether they need the birds. There should be proper discussions with farm owners before the birds are distributed because farmers will keep them for about five months without any income. That preparation is very important for the success of the programme,” he said.
He added that thorough consultations would ensure that only farmers who are adequately prepared and financially capable benefit from the initiative, thereby improving its effectiveness and reducing the risk of failure.
Nana Adjumak further urged the government to continue supporting maize production to ensure a steady supply of affordable feed for poultry farmers.
While commending the government for introducing the Nkokɔ Nkitinkiti initiative, he appealed to authorities to sustain the programme, address implementation challenges, rectify any shortcomings and continuously improve its delivery to maximise its impact.
He expressed confidence that with effective planning, regular engagement with poultry farmers and sustained government support, the programme would boost local poultry production, create jobs, strengthen food security, reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported poultry products and contribute significantly to the growth of Ghana’s agricultural sector.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah
