Volta Region receives 180,000 chicks under Feed Ghana programme

The Volta Region has received 180,000 day-old chicks under the Government’s Feed Ghana Programme, which aims to boost poultry production, create jobs, and improve food security across the country.

Mr Godwin Agbenyegah, the Ho Municipal Director of Agriculture and Coordinator of Feed Ghana, speaking during the regional launch of the programme, said the initiative formed part of the government’s broader strategy to increase Ghana’s poultry self-sufficiency to 76 per cent by 2028.

He explained that under the programme, the government intended to distribute chicks to more than 60,000 households across 276 constituencies nationwide to encourage household and commercial poultry production.

“The Volta Region has received its share of the programme. We have received 180,000 chicks which have been brooded for about one month to one-and-a-half months before distribution,” he stated.

According to Mr Agbenyegah, each Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assembly within the region would receive 10,000 chicks to be distributed to approximately 200 households to strengthen poultry farming at the community level.

“As we speak, each household is expected to receive about 50 birds. Some beneficiaries will take their birds home today, while commercial poultry farmers will also receive feed, veterinary services, medication, and other support to enable them to grow the birds successfully,” he said.

He noted that the programme would not only improve local poultry production but also help reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported poultry products.

“The government intends to buy back mature birds from farmers to support the local poultry industry and ensure the sustainability of the programme,” he added.

Mr Agbenyegah said the initiative was expected to create employment opportunities through increased demand for poultry feed production, veterinary services, transportation,n and other value-chain activities associated with poultry farming.

“This initiative is expected to create jobs across the country because there will be increased demand for poultry inputs, veterinary services, feed production, and other related support services,” he stated.

He appealed to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies in the Volta Region to support the implementation of the programme to ensure its long-term success and contribution to livelihoods, economic growth, and food security.