Meet the Ghanaian poultry entrepreneur who ran for president in 1992

Rev Dr Kwabena Darko is widely known for building Darko Farms into one of Ghana’s prominent poultry and agribusiness enterprises.

But before his name became closely associated with poultry farming, the entrepreneur ventured into politics and sought the country’s highest office.

Darko, widely known as "Poultry King” or "Akokɔ Darko" contested the 1992 presidential election on the ticket of the National Independence Party (NIP), with Naa Afarley Sackeyfio as his running mate.

Our products are free of dioxin - Kwabena Darko

He finished fourth with 2.8 percent of the total votes cast, while Jerry John Rawlings of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) won the election.

His presidential bid remains a notable chapter in the life of a businessman whose career had largely been built around agriculture and local production.

Darko began his career in trading and farming before turning his attention to poultry production.

He later founded Darko Farms & Company Limited, which expanded into poultry production, animal feed manufacturing, hatchery operations and other agricultural activities.

Beyond business, he became known as a reverend minister and public figure, combining entrepreneurship, agriculture and religion throughout his career.

According to a June 2026 profile by INME Global, Darko was driven by the belief that Ghana could strengthen food production and reduce its dependence on imported poultry products.

While his 1992 presidential bid did not result in victory, it remains a lesser-known part of the story of the entrepreneur behind one of Ghana’s best-known poultry businesses.

Now 83, the octogenarian continues to be remembered for his contributions to the local poultry industry and his brief venture into presidential politics.

See a video of the octogenarian below:

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