The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Eric Opoku, says the government's Nkokɔ Nkitinkiti programme is on course to reach its target of 60,000 households across the country, with implementation already completed in 11 regions.

Speaking on JoyFM's Top Story on Thursday, July 9, Dr. Opoku said the programme is now moving into the five northern regions, after which the nationwide target will be achieved.

"The target is to cover nationwide 60,000 households. So far we have covered 11 of the regions and so we are now moving to the five northern regions. As soon as we are done, the 60,000 target will be accomplished," he said.

Asked how many households had benefited so far, the Minister explained that each district is allocated 200 beneficiary households, with each receiving support under the programme.

"Every district is receiving 200. So it depends on the number of districts we have covered. For the 11 regions, you put the number of districts together and then multiply by 200. That will give you the exact number. I have not done the mathematics yet, but I know we have not defaulted in the distribution," he stated.

Responding to concerns over whether the programme had produced measurable results compared to investing directly in existing commercial poultry farmers, Dr. Opoku said the initiative was being implemented in phases to ensure both backyard and commercial poultry farmers benefit.

According to him, the first phase targets household or backyard poultry production to encourage more Ghanaians to venture into poultry farming.

"The evidence is there. We are running the programme in phases. In the next few weeks, we are going to distribute day-old chicks to existing commercial farmers," he said.

He explained that another component of the programme provides beneficiaries with battery cages, birds and feed to support poultry production, while the final phase is specifically designed for established commercial poultry farmers.

"We are now doing the procurement. As soon as we are done, we will distribute the birds to the existing commercial farmers. We want everybody to be on board. It is not the case that we are leaving the commercial farmers and serving individuals who have nothing to do with poultry. No, that is not the case," Dr. Opoku stressed.

The Nkokɔ Nkitinkiti programme forms part of the government's broader efforts to boost domestic poultry production, reduce Ghana's dependence on imported chicken, and create employment opportunities within the agricultural sector.