CCMA distributes 8,000 broilers to farmers under ‘Nkoko Nkiti Nkiti’ initiative

The Cape Coast Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), George Justice Arthur, and the Member of Parliament for Cape Coast North, Dr. Kwamena Minta Nyarku, have distributed 8,000 broilers to 200 beneficiary farmers under the government’s flagship Nkoko Nkiti Nkiti initiative.

The event, held at the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly Hall on Thursday, April 2, 2026, brought together agricultural stakeholders, assembly members, and the 200 beneficiaries from the Cape Coast North Constituency.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Nyarku, popularly known as Ragga, urged farmers to give their best to sustain the initiative. He argued that the money spent on importing poultry products could be redirected to fund local programmes. “The funds we spend on importing poultry could drive initiatives like this,” he said.

He further explained that the project falls under the ‘Operation Feed Ghana’ initiative, which aims to boost local production capacity and achieve food sufficiency, particularly in poultry farming.

Highlighting his constituency’s unique advantage, Ragga noted the presence of several second-cycle and tertiary institutions, which farmers could supply with poultry to foster economic development.

On monitoring progress, Dr. Nyarku announced that a dedicated team would ensure the programme’s success and help resolve any teething problems. “The Department of Agriculture will provide counsel and solutions to any challenges farmers may face,” he stated.

He also encouraged beneficiaries to make the constituency proud by achieving a high success rate in this inaugural effort. “Consider yourselves lucky to be beneficiaries,” he stressed. “Take very good care of the birds to ensure a high success rate. One day, we can proudly count Cape Coast North among those who sustained this initiative.”

George Justice Arthur, the MCE for the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly, described the Nkoko Nkiti Nkiti initiative as more than a simple bird distribution. “It is a deliberate government strategy to reduce the unemployment burden plaguing the nation,” he said. “The initiative creates jobs and gives the youth hope for a better tomorrow.”

Mr. Arthur also underscored its relevance to improving socio-economic opportunities within the metropolis. “I pledge full support to the Director of the Department of Agriculture and all stakeholders to ensure the programme’s success,” he added.

The Director of Agriculture for the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly, Madam Olympia Williams, disclosed that 8,000 birds were distributed to 200 beneficiaries. To ensure proper supervision, extension officers have been deployed across the metropolis. “Based on an officer’s area of coverage, if a beneficiary falls under their domain, that officer is tasked to assist the farmer,” she explained.

Clarifying the age of the birds, Madam Olympia said they are four weeks old. Farmers are to rear them for an additional four weeks until they mature for consumption. “After four weeks with the farmer, the birds will be ready for sale and consumption,” she said. “We are also available to help connect them to buyers, and then our job will be done.”

She added that if any beneficiary develops an interest in commercial farming after this inaugural programme, her department would assist them in rearing birds from day-old chicks to maturity.

Some beneficiaries applauded President Mahama for keeping his promise. “I am very elated to have benefited from President Mahama’s Nkoko Nkiti Nkiti initiative. I feel very proud,” a female beneficiary told journalists.

The Nkoko Nkitinkiti (Little Chicken) initiative is a government programme launched in late 2025 by President John Mahama to revitalise local poultry production. As part of the Feed Ghana Programme, it aims to reduce dependency on imported frozen chicken by distributing millions of birds, feed, and technical support to households and farmers.

The 200 beneficiaries from Cape Coast North have received their birds, with another 200 expected from Cape Coast South. Whether these farmers are committed to helping the president realise his dream of poultry self-sufficiency remains to be seen.