'Nkoko Nkitinkiti': Eating the birds defeats the programme's purpose - Agric Minister

Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has expressed concern over reports that some households are slaughtering and consuming birds distributed under the government’s Nkoko Nkitinkiti backyard poultry initiative.

He warned that the practice defeats the core objective of the programme, which is designed to encourage sustainable household poultry production and help reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported food.

“The immediate consumption of birds deviates from the purpose of the programme,” he lamented.

Opoku made the remarks when he appeared before Parliament’s Committee on Assurances on July 9, 2026.

Poultry farmer demands transparency, fairness in Nkoko Nkitikiti distribution

He explained that the Nkoko Nkitinkiti initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to boost local poultry production, improve household food security, and promote a shift in consumption patterns toward locally produced food.

The minister noted that beneficiaries are expected to rear the birds to maturity and expand their flocks over time rather than consume them.

Meanwhile, Opoku disclosed that the government has distributed 1,500 bags of fertiliser to agricultural constituencies across the country to support smallholder farmers and enhance crop production.

He said the fertiliser distribution is intended to improve yields and strengthen the country’s food production efforts.

MRA/VPO

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