Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has called for an end to Ghana’s dependence on imported frozen chicken, arguing that increased local production would benefit the country’s economy and poultry industry.
According to the Minister, information available to him about some imported poultry products has raised serious concerns.
“It is time for Ghana to stop importing frozen chicken. The information I received about it was alarming and scared me,” he said.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Opoku stated that locally produced poultry is of high quality and deserves greater support from consumers and policymakers.
“In my opinion, if we stop importing poultry, it will really help us,” he stressed.
The Minister explained that there are several reasons imported chicken products are cheaper in countries such as the United States, adding that some poultry products consumed in Ghana are not commonly sold in their countries of origin.
He maintained that Ghanaian poultry farmers produce healthier birds and do not rely heavily on drugs in the production process.
“Here in Ghana, we do quality poultry. We don’t inject them with too many drugs,” he said.
Mr. Opoku also highlighted government’s ongoing poultry support programme, popularly known as “Nkoko Nkitinkiti,” aimed at boosting local poultry production.
According to him, the initiative has been structured to ensure that every constituency receives 10,000 chicks to support poultry farmers.
He disclosed that distribution has already taken place in several regions, including the Western, Ahafo, Western North, Bono, Bono East, Eastern, Ashanti, Central and Greater Accra regions.
The Minister noted that the Ministry is working closely with local government authorities to ensure the successful distribution and implementation of the programme.
The initiative forms part of government’s broader efforts to strengthen food security, create jobs and reduce the country’s dependence on imported poultry products.
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