Nkoko Nkitinkiti: Review first phase before launching the second - Gov't told

Dr. Isaac Yaw Opoku, Ranking Member on Parliament's Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee, urged the government to conduct a comprehensive review of the first phase of the Nkoko Nkitinkiti programme before proceeding with its second phase. He made the call while reacting to concerns raised by George Dassah, President of the Poultry Farmers Association of Ghana. Dr. Opoku stated, "I think, yes, I would support what the poultry farmers' president said. I stated in my earlier submission that the minister should take our advice on board, conduct a comprehensive review of the first phase, and address the challenges identified before rolling out the second phase."

The Nkoko Nkitinkiti programme is part of government efforts to boost local poultry production and reduce dependence on imported chicken. Under the initiative, birds are distributed to households and farmers. Dr. Opoku believes the Ministry of Food and Agriculture should suspend the distribution of birds to Members of Parliament under the initiative until the first phase has been thoroughly assessed. Poultry farmers have cited weak market li- as a concern.