Eat local chicken to enrich farmers – Dumelo

A Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, has made a passionate appeal to Ghanaians to shift their eating habits toward locally produced poultry, urging that every bite of Ghanaian chicken enriches the local farmer rather than supporting foreign producers.
He was speaking at the vibrant “Chicken Road Show” held at the forecourt of the CLOGSAG Headquarters, within Accra’s Ministries enclave, to commemorate the 8th anniversary of the Women in Poultry Value Chain (WIPVaC).
The event was held in collaboration with the West African Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP) and blended with free, hot, tasty, and nutritious grilled chicken with kenkey, pepper, and fried yam, music and the promotional sale of Ghanaian chicken to drive home a powerful economic and social message.
The Chicken Road Show gave the public an opportunity to taste locally grilled chicken with kenkey, pepper, and fried yam—all served free of charge.
In addition, full dressed, fresh, homegrown chicken was sold at an affordable price of GH₵150 to encourage consumption.
The Chicken Road Show was not just a celebration but a strategic move to build national momentum behind a vital sector.
As the sweet aroma of grilled chicken filled the Ministries enclave, the message from speakers and participants alike was clear: the future is local—and it’s delicious.
With government backing, strong partnerships, and a growing community of committed farmers—especially women—Ghana’s poultry industry is poised for transformation.
The initiative highlights the impact of the FSRP’s direct support to poultry farmers.
Some 60 poultry farmers across Central, Greater Accra, Eastern, Volta, and Ashanti Regions — selected from WIPVaC’s 1,200 members nationwide — have benefited from FSRP’s Poultry Intensification Scheme (PIS).
The support package included input credit for 50,000 birds, poultry feed, and four different types of vaccines.
So far, 25,000 birds have already been supplied to the beneficiaries, enabling them to complete their first cycle of broiler production under the scheme.

Support Ghanaian farmers
Mr. Dumelo did not mince words. “When we eat local, we support Ghanaian farmers. When we eat imported, we enrich foreign producers,” he declared to loud applause from the crowd.
He said Ghana must now move beyond slogans and take deliberate action to grow and consume what it produces.

Mr. Dumelo called for a massive national campaign to promote local poultry as a patriotic and economic necessity.

A stronger marketing strategy
The Deputy Minister emphasized the need for a well-coordinated marketing strategy to address one of the key concerns expressed by consumers—availability.
“Many Ghanaians genuinely love local poultry, but they often complain that it’s not available. The good news is that we now have 25,000 birds ready,” he revealed.
“Once we clearly understand the demand, we’re confident that the markets will take them up.”
He assured poultry farmers of the Ministry’s full support in driving these efforts forward.
“Personally, I’m also ready to help promote and market this chicken. In fact, I can confidently say that within a month or two, this entire stock could be sold out,” he added.

Modern processing plants on the horizon
Mr Dumelo also addressed the need for modern poultry processing infrastructure, noting that several proposals for ultra-modern processing facilities have already been received.
“Within a year or two, we expect to see the emergence of modern plants that will support the entire poultry value chain,” he said, affirming the Ministry’s commitment to this critical area of development.

Empowering women through poultry
Another key focus of the event was women’s participation in the poultry sector.
Mr. Dumelo pledged special attention to women as the Ministry begins disbursing day-old chicks, feed, and other inputs.
“There should be more women than men involved in this space because women have a unique ability to nurture and manage resources,” he said.
“We already have a programme solely focused on supporting women, and we are expanding that effort. Women’s participation is not just welcome—it is deeply appreciated.”

A call to produce more and buy more
Encouraging farmers to step up production, the Deputy Minister said, “Produce more, and I assure you—Ghanaians will buy it.”
He pledged continued support and promised to accompany farmers “from beginning to end” in this national effort to revitalize local poultry.

WIPVaC and FSRP celebrate a milestone in style
Dr. Mrs. Victoria Afua Norgbey, National President of WIPVaC, expressed her excitement over the turnout and impact of the anniversary celebration.
“This is more than just an event—it is a celebration of faith, investment, and the remarkable women driving value chain transformation across our region,” she said.
She highlighted the critical partnership with FSRP, which she described as a platform enabling women to connect, innovate, and push forward in the poultry industry.
“Our products are ready, and we are inviting the public to come and experience the best of Ghanaian poultry.
“Our local chicken is not just delicious and fresh—you know exactly where it’s coming from, and you can taste the care and quality in every bite,” she said, urging everyone to “taste and drive” the change forward.

Economic empowerment through poultry
Project Coordinator, Mr. Osei Owusu Agyeman, reinforced the importance of poultry farming as a tool for economic empowerment, especially for women and youth.
“Without strong support systems, this potential remains vulnerable,” he warned.
He said the current agenda aims to promote local consumption of poultry as a strategy for job creation, environmental protection, and a reduction in poultry imports.
“As part of this initiative, we are identifying key individuals and organizations driving innovation and resilience in the sector,” he said.
Mr Agyeman revealed a target of achieving at least 40% participation by women, adding that WIPVaC is proud of the change-makers already involved.
“These women are leading the way, developing digital tools and tearing down barriers to growth,” he added.
He called on women and youth across Ghana to rise and join the movement to build an industry that belongs to them.