Editor of Punch Newspaper Editor urges President Mahama to provide free chickens to farmers urgently

The Managing Editor of The Punch Newspaper, Ayisah Foster, has made a passionate appeal to President John Dramani Mahama to implement a nationwide program for the free distribution of chicks to poultry farmers.

Foster believes that such an initiative would significantly reduce the cost of poultry products, providing much-needed relief to consumers struggling with rising food prices.

According to him, a crate of eggs now sells for between GH₵65 and GH₵70, depending on size, while live chickens range from GH₵120 to GH₵180, depending on weight. With the current economic climate characterized by soaring living costs and limited access to affordable protein, many Ghanaians are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their dietary needs.

He emphasized that providing free chicks to poultry farmers would stimulate local production, increase the supply of poultry products, and ultimately drive down prices. This approach, he argued, presents an innovative solution to the country’s economic challenges.

Beyond making poultry products more affordable, Foster pointed out that the initiative would offer a twofold benefit: boosting the local poultry industry by helping farmers expand their production and improving food security and nutrition for the average Ghanaian.

Additionally, he noted that the program could create jobs for young people and help reduce the alarming rate of unemployment in the country.

As the government considers this proposal, many are hopeful that it will explore viable ways to support the local poultry industry and ease the financial burden on consumers.