Rockland Farms CEO calls for legally backed long-term poultry roadmap

Edith Akosah Wheathland, CEO of Rockland Farms, called for a 10- to 20-year legally backed national roadmap for Ghana's poultry industry, speaking on Joy Business' programme, Can Ghana Feed Itself? The Future of Poultry Beyond Akoko Nketenkete. She stated that long-term policy certainty is critical to attracting investment, increasing local production, and strengthening the country's food security. She also said, "We need one coordinated national approach. Today, someone who wants to invest in poultry doesn't know whether to begin with the Ministry of Agriculture, FDA, EPA, Veterinary Services or the Ghana Standards Authority."

Ms. Wheathland commended President John Dramani Mahama for introducing the 'Nkoko Nkitinkiti' initiative, describing it as a positive step towards supporting poultry production. However, she noted that the programme is largely targeted at smallholder and low-income farmers and should be complemented by broader reforms aimed at transforming the industry on a commercial scale. She identified the absence of coordination among various institutions as one of the greatest obstacles facing the poultry sector. Countries such as Brazil, Rwanda, Morocco, and South Africa have successfully developed thriving poultry industries by implementing integrated national strategies.