Ghana to transform Papao Poultry Farm into training, research hub

GHANA – The Government of Ghana is moving ahead with plans to convert the National Service Authority’s Papao Poultry Farm into a Centre of Excellence for poultry farming, training, and research.

Located in Domekwabenya in the Greater Accra Region, the farm currently holds around 70,000 birds but has space for 100,000.

President John Dramani Mahama inspected the site despite heavy rainfall and expressed satisfaction with its progress, noting that the facility is on track to reach full operational capacity.

The government’s program involves upgrading the infrastructure, installing processing plants to handle both live birds and packaged chicken, and constructing hostels for trainees.

Vehicles will be purchased to support nationwide distribution, while solar power systems are planned to ensure steady energy supply, with the aim of making the farm efficient and self-sustaining.

Apart from production, the farm is expected to serve as a knowledge center, offering training to graduates, farmers, and entrepreneurs interested in poultry and agribusiness.

It will also be open to scholars and development partners, who will use the facility for research and the introduction of modern practices to improve productivity.

Through this integrated model, officials intend to replicate similar projects in other regions and possibly across West Africa.

During the visit, President Mahama launched the Nkokɔ Nkitinkiti Project, which is designed to expand domestic poultry production.

The initiative will distribute about four million day-old chicks to large-scale farmers, three million to medium-scale producers, and smaller quantities with starter feed to households and young entrepreneurs.

All the birds provided under the scheme will be vaccinated, reducing the risk of disease outbreaks and ensuring healthy growth.

A buy-back program has been introduced where farmers can sell mature birds to government-approved processors, who will then package and sell them under the “Nkokɔ Nkitinkiti” label.

This arrangement guarantees a market for producers while ensuring consumers access locally sourced and processed chicken.

The broader objective is to reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported poultry, which continues to account for a large share of domestic consumption.

The president said that within three years, the country should be producing most of its poultry needs locally, saving foreign exchange and supporting local producers.

National Service Authority Acting Director-General Ruth Dela Seddoh said the facility would create new opportunities for young people, not only in agriculture but also in areas such as agribusiness and information technology.

She added that the goal is to ensure graduates leaving national service gain practical skills and employment options rather than face joblessness.

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