Minister dismisses poultry smuggling claims

Yaakrom (Brong Ahafo) 13 April '99 Mr J.H. Owusu- Acheampong, Minister of Food and Agriculture, has dismissed claims that poultry products were being smuggled into Ghana to the detriment of the future growth of the industry. This follows an on the spot investigations by the Minister during a surprise visit to Dormaa Ahenkro and six poultry farms allegedly involved in the smuggling. The six farms at Yaakrom and Dormaa-Ahenkro have a total production of about 120 crates of eggs daily and a population of more than 91,000 birds. Apart from the six farms, other individuals are engaged in poultry farming but on a smaller scale to supplement their incomes, according to Dr. Kuntor Agyemang, District Director of Agriculture. Mr Owusu-Acheampong visited Unity Farms Feed Mills, which processes about six tons of poultry feed daily for its own use and for other poultry farmers. The Minister said "the low cost of maize and labour which abounds in the district gives the company comparative advantage in poultry production over other areas in the country". Mr Owusu-Acheampong expressed satisfaction with the operations of Unity Farms, which has offered employment to the youth and "makes the Dormaa District the leading producer of poultry products in the region". Mr Briamah Musah, proprietor of Yaakrom Unity Farms, said products from his company have market in Accra. The Minister also addressed workers of government departments and corporations including the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service, Immigration Services, Health, Agriculture and Trade at Gonokrom, the main entry point from Cote d'Ivoire to Ghana in the district.

Yaakrom (Brong Ahafo) 13 April '99 Mr J.H. Owusu- Acheampong, Minister of Food and Agriculture, has dismissed claims that poultry products were being smuggled into Ghana to the detriment of the future growth of the industry. This follows an on the spot investigations by the Minister during a surprise visit to Dormaa Ahenkro and six poultry farms allegedly involved in the smuggling. The six farms at Yaakrom and Dormaa-Ahenkro have a total production of about 120 crates of eggs daily and a population of more than 91,000 birds. Apart from the six farms, other individuals are engaged in poultry farming but on a smaller scale to supplement their incomes, according to Dr. Kuntor Agyemang, District Director of Agriculture. Mr Owusu-Acheampong visited Unity Farms Feed Mills, which processes about six tons of poultry feed daily for its own use and for other poultry farmers. The Minister said "the low cost of maize and labour which abounds in the district gives the company comparative advantage in poultry production over other areas in the country". Mr Owusu-Acheampong expressed satisfaction with the operations of Unity Farms, which has offered employment to the youth and "makes the Dormaa District the leading producer of poultry products in the region". Mr Briamah Musah, proprietor of Yaakrom Unity Farms, said products from his company have market in Accra. The Minister also addressed workers of government departments and corporations including the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service, Immigration Services, Health, Agriculture and Trade at Gonokrom, the main entry point from Cote d'Ivoire to Ghana in the district.