Ghana's Nkoko Nkitinkiti poultry initiative has reportedly failed, according to Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. He claims beneficiaries consumed the birds intended for rearing, undermining the programme's core objectives.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin stated that the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, acknowledged challenges with the programme. The Minister reportedly admitted that some beneficiaries sent videos showing them slaughtering and eating the distributed birds. This behaviour directly contradicts the initiative's goal of fostering poultry entrepreneurship among young Ghanaians.
This alleged failure comes as Ghana aims to revitalise its struggling poultry industry and reduce reliance on imported products. The Nkoko Nkitinkiti programme, a key component of the broader Feed Ghana Programme, was launched in November 2025 by President John Dramani Mahama. It sought to improve food security and create sustainable livelihoods across households, schools, and communities. Ghana's poultry sector has long faced challenges from cheaper imports, impacting local farmers and job creation.
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Probe, Mr. Afenyo-Markin asserted, “On the agriculture side, government has failed.” He highlighted that the policy, meant to create wealth and opportunities, has instead resulted in consumption rather than investment. This directly challenges the government's commitment to agricultural transformation and economic empowerment for youth.
The reported consumption of birds raises significant questions about the programme's design, oversight, and sustainability. If beneficiaries are not equipped or incentivised to rear the birds, the initiative will not achieve its targets of increasing local poultry production. This could further strain Ghana's food import bill and hinder job creation efforts in the agricultural sector. Decision-makers must now review the programme's implementation strategy and consider corrective measures to salvage its objectives.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) had promised to revive Ghana’s poultry industry ahead of the 2024 general election. Their plan included incentivising farmers and promoting local consumption. The Nkoko Nkitinkiti Household and Backyard Poultry Production Initiative was designed to deliver on these promises. Under its first phase, beneficiaries were to receive 50 chicks, feed support, and technical guidance. The government later announced plans to expand the programme, targeting the production and distribution of 7 million birds in 2026. Beneficiaries were also expected to undergo training before receiving the birds.
However, the broader poultry revitalisation programme has faced criticism. A July 2026 assessment by The Fourth Estate reported concerns from industry stakeholders. They noted that while the backyard component reached some beneficiaries, other elements of the wider programme lagged behind schedule. This suggests systemic issues beyond individual beneficiary actions. The government's ability to deliver on its agricultural promises is now under scrutiny, especially concerning the economic impact on rural communities and national food security. Effective monitoring and evaluation are crucial for such large-scale interventions.