A basic school in the Central Region has ventured into poultry farming as part of efforts to demonstrate the practical implementation of the government’s Nkoko Nkitinkiti programme, amid public questions over the initiative’s viability.
The Nkoko Nkitinkiti programme was one of the National Democratic Congress’s key campaign promises, aimed at supporting households with poultry birds to establish backyard poultry farms as an economic venture.
Since its rollout, however, some Ghanaians have questioned its viability, following recent comments by the Minister for Food and Agriculture that have sparked public debate.
Hemang Nsuaem Basic School, in the Hemang Lower Denkyira District of the Central Region, has stepped in to show how the programme can work in practice.
The school is noted for its strong commitment to practical agriculture, having established school farms to encourage pupils to develop an interest in farming, the main occupation in the area.
The Showboyz Foundation has added a poultry component to the school’s existing farm project, starting with 200 layers, with plans to scale up to 300 birds to demonstrate the Nkoko Nkitinkiti programme in action.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Isaac Agyir, has also pledged to establish a catfish farm for the school.
The Odikro of Hemang Nsuaem, Nana Kobena Ayebin, who spoke on behalf of his people, released a five-acre plot of land to the school to expand its existing farm project.
Nana Ayebin commended Agyir, who is also a teacher at the school, saying his arrival had brought a tremendous positive impact and that it was his love for the school that motivated the community to release the land for the farming project.
Nana Ayebin also appealed to the Central Regional Director of Agriculture, who witnessed the programme, to consider the school for this year’s National Farmers’ Day Award.
