The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has challenged stakeholders in Ghana’s agriculture sector to invest in the local poultry industry instead of spending millions of dollars on imports. Speaking at the 5th National Poultry Day celebration in Accra, she emphasized the need to strengthen local value chains and reduce reliance on imported poultry.
The event, themed around innovation and economic resilience, featured the launch of the “Nkunkor Nkiti Nkiti” project, which promotes household poultry farming as a lifestyle and patriotic act. As part of the rollout, birds were distributed to participants and Senior High Schools, including Accra Academy, PRESEC Legon, and Achimota SHS. The celebration also featured culinary exhibitions and competitions that showcased the diversity and richness of Ghana’s poultry-based cuisine.
Minister Gomashie underscored the importance of viewing poultry not just through an agricultural lens but as a matter of cultural pride and national identity. She encouraged Ghanaians to embrace poultry farming as a lifestyle that supports food sovereignty and preserves traditional Ghanaian cuisine. “Why should Ghana continue importing poultry feed when local alternatives can be developed?” she asked.
“If we’re spending millions of dollars to import poultry, then surely that same amount can be invested to strengthen our systems here,” Minister Gomashie said. “This is not just a rhetorical question but a challenge to every stakeholder to think differently and act boldly.” Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. John Setor Dumelo, supported her remarks, highlighting the potential of poultry farming as a viable source of livelihood and national progress.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
