Poultry Farmers Slam Gov’t Over Exclusion From ‘Nkukor Nkitinkiti’ Initiative

The Vice President of the Sunyani Poultry Farmers Association, Johnson Yeboah, has accused the government of sidelining key stakeholders in the rollout of the highly anticipated ‘Nkukor Nkitinkiti’ poultry initiative.

His remarks echo the growing anger among poultry farmers in the Bono Region, where an oversupply of eggs has left many selling off their birds at a loss. The government plans to officially launch the initiative on Wednesday, November 10, 2025, with promises to provide day-old chicks, feed, and veterinary support to households across Ghana — a programme first proposed by President John Dramani Mahama during the 2024 election campaign.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, Mr. Yeboah said the government’s failure to consult industry players undermines the success of the initiative. He argued that policymakers often discuss agricultural reforms without understanding the sector’s realities. “The President assured us there would be engagement, but up till now, no official has reached out,” he said, describing the move as a familiar pattern of neglect.

Mr. Yeboah dismissed government claims of plans to distribute 80,000 birds to farmers as mere political talk, warning that such poorly coordinated efforts could backfire. “People who are not poultry farmers are rushing to register for the programme. Without proper market channels or training, this will only lead to losses and possible disease outbreaks,” he cautioned.

He also lamented the grim situation on the ground, revealing that some farmers are burying unsold eggs because there are no buyers. “If the government truly wants to help, they should come down and engage with us,” he urged.

For years, Ghana’s poultry industry has battled high feed costs, unstable markets, and limited access to credit — deep-rooted challenges that farmers say must be addressed before any new intervention can succeed.