The National Poultry Farmers Association (NPFA) has voiced concerns over the lack of consultation regarding the upcoming launch of the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme, despite its planned inauguration by President John Dramani Mahama on November 12.
Mr George Dassah, National Chairman of the Association, confirmed that the NPFA has officially written to the Minister of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) seeking an audience to submit proposals but has yet to receive a response.
Mr Dassah praised the initiative, which seeks to boost local poultry production, empower youth, and support rural communities. However, he described the lack of engagement with key stakeholders as “unfortunate”.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme is designed to strengthen the local poultry sector, significantly reduce dependence on imported chicken, and is projected to save the country over $300 million annually.
The programme’s launch was initially slated for July but was delayed following previous concerns raised by farmer associations about limited stakeholder consultation.
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr Dassah reiterated the NPFA’s strong support for the policy.
“The policy is very good. We were excited when we got to know about it. We believe strongly, if well implemented, it will promote consumption of local poultry and reduce the dependency on imported poultry products,” he stated.
However, he expressed deep frustration that the Association’s attempts to engage the Ministry have been unsuccessful, leaving them unable to brief their own members.
“Our members have asked and demanded answers over how the policy will work,” Mr Dassah explained. “But we don’t have the answers to their questions because we have not been consulted.” He added that he had deliberately put media houses on hold regarding interviews to avoid saying anything that might be deemed untrue, but all efforts to engage the minister to explain the policy had proven futile.
The Chairman further lamented the tendency for policies with the ability to transform the sector to be politicised and implemented without broad stakeholder input.
“Ghana lacks a strategic policy direction for the poultry industry that will be implemented in the interest of the country regardless of the government in power,” he argued, stating that previous policies were often politically motivated and only meant for political gains.
While commending the government for the initiative, he warned that failure to properly consult qualified technocrats and stakeholders could lead to flawed implementation. “If we don’t take care,” he concluded, “the implementation may cause financial loss to the state.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
