KNUST Leads Bold Push to Transform Ghana’s Poultry Industry

A renewed sense of purpose is sweeping through Ghana’s poultry sector, thanks to a dynamic training programme spearheaded by the Animal Science Department of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Farmers, poultry experts, and extension officers left the recent workshop not only equipped with cutting-edge knowledge but also inspired to help drive Ghana toward poultry self-sufficiency.

Source: GBC Ghana Online

The training comes at a time when the industry continues to battle high mortality rates among young birds, often stemming from outdated and unscientific practices. Many farms see up to 20 percent of chicks lost within the first two weeks of life—an alarming figure that underscores the urgent need for knowledge-based interventions. Through hands-on and theoretical sessions, KNUST and its partners are now working to change that narrative.

This initiative brought together a powerful coalition, including the Ghana Skills Development Fund and the American Soybean Association. It focused on demystifying core aspects of poultry production, from brooding and feed formulation to disease control and food safety, giving participants the tools to transform their farms and influence their communities.

Professor Jacob Alhassan Hamidu, who led the programme, believes the training is more than just a workshop—it’s a critical step toward reducing Ghana’s dependence on imported day-old chicks and building a robust local supply chain. He envisions a future where homegrown poultry producers meet national demand with confidence, resilience, and scientific precision.

Voices from the field echoed this sentiment. George Dassah, President of the National Poultry Farmers Association, called the training a lifeline for farmers grappling with brooding challenges. Florence Doku, representing Women in Poultry Value Chain, hailed the feed formulation sessions as a timely boost for women-led agribusinesses.

By closing the gap between research and real-world practice, KNUST is lighting a path for a more sustainable and competitive poultry industry—one that promises to feed more Ghanaians, create jobs, and reduce the nation’s growing food import bill.