By Emmanuel Gamson
Bankyease (W/R), Aug. 05, GNA – The Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA) has commenced the distribution of poultry birds to residents under the government’s flagship Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme.
A total of 400 beneficiaries drawn from the Effia and Kwesimintsim constituencies would receive 50 broiler birds each as part of the total 20,000 received by the Assembly.
The programme formed part of government’s resolve to boost local poultry production and reduce the country’s dependence on importation of poultry products.
Mr Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, speaking during a ceremony to begin the distribution, and mark the official launch of the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme in the region, said the initiative represented a significant step in the government’s determination to transform agriculture into a more productive and economically viable sector, while creating opportunities for Ghanaians to strengthen the nation’s food security.
He noted that the programme was intended to provide practical support for farmers and other prospective poultry entrepreneurs by providing them with the necessary foundation to establish and expand their poultry enterprises.
He added that the provision of the birds was, therefore, a strategic investment that would aid beneficiaries to enter the poultry value chain, develop sustainable livelihoods, and contribute to the production of food for the growing population.
Mr Nelson said: “In the Western Region, we are particularly encouraged by the opportunities that this programme presents because our region possesses enormous agricultural potential, entrepreneurial talent and growing markets, and I am confident that we can position the region as one of Ghana’s leading centres for poultry production.”
He pledged the government’s commitment to strengthening the domestic poultry industry and creating an environment where local farmers could become more competitive and productive.
The Western Regional Minister urged the beneficiaries not to see the birds provided to them as a one-time benefit, but as productive assets entrusted to them for economic empowerment.
He said: “The ultimate measure of the success of this programme will not simply be the number of birds distributed, but the number of successful poultry enterprises established, the jobs created, the incomes generated and the contribution made towards reducing Ghana’s dependence on imported poultry products.”
Mr Nelson also encouraged the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies and their agricultural extension officers to provide the necessary technical support and monitoring to the beneficiaries to ensure that the programme achieved sustainable results.
Mr Abdul-Majeed Dokurgu, the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), said the Nkoko Nkitinkiti initiative would contribute significantly to the development of the poultry industry, create employment, and improve upon household incomes in the municipality.
He urged the beneficiaries to take good care of the birds received and ensure strict compliance with proper poultry management practices to help guarantee the success of the initiative.
Mr Frederick Koranteng, a beneficiary, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, expressed gratitude to the government for the support.
He said the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme would help improve upon their household incomes.
He pledged their commitment to take proper care of the birds to ensure they established thriving poultry businesses as sources of livelihoods for themselves and their families.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Emmanuel Gamson
Reporter’s email address:[email protected]