By Sharon Zoe Williams
The National Chicken Festival is underway at Osu Oxford Street, showcasing Ghana’s poultry industry and promoting locally grown chicken. Mr. Eric Twum Ansah, Finance Consultant for the Directorate, shared insights on the initiative, highlighting the focus on commercial farmers with a capacity of not less than 25,000 beds.
According to Mr. Ansah, Ghana currently produces only 5% of its poultry demand, which stands at 400 metric tons. To bridge this gap, the government has partnered with big farmers, gathering 2.5 million bird capacities across Ashanti, Bono, and Central regions. “We focus on commercial big farmers with a capacity of not less than 25,000 beds,” Mr. Ansah explained.
The festival features locally grown Ghana chicken, with Mr. Ansah emphasizing its quality. “If you taste it, you’ll see a difference. The idea is to change people’s taste and promote healthy eating habits.” The event aims to boost the poultry industry, create jobs, and encourage consumption of locally produced chicken.
The government targets producing 160 million birds in the next three years, positioning Ghana as a net exporter. Mr. Ansah emphasized the potential for growth, stating, “Poultry is another gold mine that we haven’t seen. In six weeks, it can change your life.” The initiative also addresses challenges faced by farmers, providing access to funding, veterinary services, and markets.
The National Chicken Festival is a step towards Ghana’s self-sufficiency in poultry production and consumption, promoting healthy eating habits and economic growth. As Mr. Ansah noted, “The government is playing an intermediary role, providing direction and support to farmers and the value chain”.
