The Government has distributed 1.7 million poultry birds to farmers nationwide under the Feed Ghana Programme, popularly known as “Nkoko Nkitsinkitsi,” as part of efforts to boost local poultry production and strengthen food security.
The announcement was made by Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, during proceedings in Parliament on Thursday.
Mr Dumelo also revealed that the government, through the Ghana Buffer Stock Company, has registered 45 Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) to purchase grains directly from farmers at guaranteed minimum prices.
The initiative is aimed at addressing the recurring glut of grains, particularly maize, rice and soya, while protecting farmers from income losses caused by falling market prices.
Responding to an urgent question filed by Eric Edem Agbana, the Deputy Minister disclosed that the government allocated GH¢100 million in November 2025 and an additional GH¢200 million in 2026 to support the purchase of excess grain production.
According to him, the funds will be used to buy, process and store surplus grains, helping to reduce post-harvest losses and cushion farmers against market volatility.
Mr Dumelo explained that the guaranteed minimum price scheme is designed to ensure that farmers receive fair value for their produce regardless of fluctuations in market prices. He noted that the policy would encourage increased agricultural production while enhancing national food security.
The Deputy Minister further announced that the government is collaborating with the World Bank Group to refurbish food storage warehouses across the country.
He said the partnership would increase storage capacity, minimise wastage and ensure a more stable supply of grains throughout the year.
According to Mr Dumelo, the upgraded warehouses will serve as strategic reserves, enabling the country to effectively manage excess production and prevent sharp price declines that often disadvantage farmers.
He added that the initiative would also strengthen Ghana’s ability to respond to potential food shortages and other supply disruptions.
The Deputy Minister noted that the interventions form part of the government’s broader agricultural transformation agenda, which seeks to integrate farmers into structured and reliable markets.
By connecting producers directly with licensed buying companies, the policy is expected to reduce the influence of exploitative middlemen and promote greater transparency in grain trading.
Mr Agbana welcomed the measures outlined by the government but urged authorities to ensure their timely implementation. He observed that many farmers in major grain-producing areas have long struggled with inadequate storage facilities and unstable market conditions, resulting in significant financial losses.
In response, Mr Dumelo assured Parliament that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture remains committed to the swift implementation of the programme.
He indicated that the Ghana Buffer Stock Company has already commenced engagements with the registered Licensed Buying Companies to operationalise the grain purchase scheme.
The Deputy Minister concluded that the initiative would help safeguard farmers’ incomes, stabilise grain prices, enhance national food security and reduce the country’s reliance on food imports.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting farmers as a key pillar of economic growth, rural development and agricultural transformation.
