A bold initiative is set to transform the lives of approximately 1,400 households in the Upper West Region of Ghana. But here's where it gets controversial... these households are about to receive a unique form of support that could spark differing opinions.
The government has earmarked these families to receive day-old chicks, an integral part of the Feed Ghana Programme's livestock component. The aim? To increase poultry production and reduce the country's import bill.
At the 41st National Farmers Day event in the Upper West Region, the Regional Minister, Charles Lwanga Puozuing, announced that these households will collectively receive 70,000 day-old chicks. He emphasized the government's vision to modernize and innovate the agricultural sector, making it more profitable and appealing to the youth.
"Our goal is to create an agricultural revolution in the Upper West Region, where farming becomes a thriving, modern industry," Puozuing stated.
The minister also commended the resilience of farmers in the region, who have persevered through rising input costs, climate challenges, and unpredictable rainfall patterns. He urged local authorities and chiefs to enforce by-laws strictly to prevent environmental degradation, such as bushfires and illegal mining, which he warned could jeopardize the future of farming in the region.
The Regional Director of Agriculture, Hudu Abubakari, praised the farmers' perseverance during the 2025 farming season, which saw erratic and early rainfall. He attributed the higher yields in cereals, legumes, vegetables, and root crops to improved seeds, NPK and SOA fertilizers, and enhanced extension support.
Abubakari also highlighted the successes of the Savannah Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (SADEP), which distributed 21,000 guinea fowls to 2,100 farmers, further bolstering the region's poultry sector.
The District Chief Executive for DBI, James Wor, pledged his district's continued support for farmers and announced key government interventions to boost agricultural productivity. He described the DBI District as the agricultural powerhouse of the Upper West Region, leading in the production of cereals, tubers, legumes, vegetables, fruits, and livestock.
This year's National Farmers Day event was held in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District, a testament to the region's agricultural prowess.
And this is the part most people miss... this initiative is not just about increasing poultry production; it's about empowering communities, creating sustainable livelihoods, and ensuring food security. It's a bold step towards a brighter future for the Upper West Region and a model for agricultural transformation across Ghana.
