President John Dramani Mahama has described Ghana’s annual imports of $400 million worth of chicken as a shame.
He said this was a major challenge we have to address, pledging to support 54 individuals to produce four million birds that would amount to 10,000 metric tonnes of chicken.
He noted that his government remains committed to advancing livestock development to improve cattle production and small ruminants, including goats and sheep, and improving access to high-quality breeds alongside.
He made the remarks while speaking at the launch of the Feed Ghana Programme, a flagship initiative in Techiman in the Bono East Region.
The president stated that the livestock production component of the programme would also focus on agro-production enclaves and infrastructure.
Under this initiative, the government will roll out irrigation systems, improved road infrastructure, provision of power supply, and establishment of warehousing facilities that would attract private investment.
According to him, the initiative is designed to create jobs, reduce food inflation, and improve livelihoods through sustainable agricultural practices.
In his remarks he indicated that these interventions will revitalise the agricultural sector, enhance self-reliance, and position Ghana as a key player in regional food markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He added that the Feed Ghana Programme would also include senior high schools, particularly those with land.
The schools are expected to grow food and rear animals to support their kitchens and supplement the school feeding programme.
“You’ll grow vegetables to improve the meals and raise cows, goats and sheep to provide meat for students,” he said.
“We want students to begin to see agriculture not just as a subject in the classroom but as meaningful work they can take up.”
Meanwhile, the National Service Scheme, Ghana Prisons Service and National Youth Employment Agency would all take part in the rollout.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
