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Agrihouse foundation on Monday July 1st, 2024 successfully hosted the 4th Ghana Poultry Day, at the Statehouse forecourt in Accra, with the aim of enhancing Ghana’s poultry sector, whiles also advocating for the 1st of July to be recognized as the Ghana poultry day .
Giving the welcome Remakes, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa Sarpong, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, underscored the significant growth and advocacy witnessed over the past four years of Ghana Poultry Day, showcasing ample opportunities within the poultry industry.
“Our efforts underscore the immense potential in Ghana’s poultry sector. However, achieving its full potential requires collective support to drive growth, sustainability, and promotion, “she remarked
She stressed the importance of giving equal attention to both crop and livestock sectors to bolster sustainable agricultural practices by elaborating on the need for integrated approaches where crop and livestock sectors complement each other, enhancing soil fertility through integrated farming systems and improving farm productivity urging that a balanced approach ensures resilience against climate change impacts and fosters economic stability in rural communities.
Hon. Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, MP for Korle Klottey, called on government to implement policies that enhance local poultry production’s competitiveness to bolster food security and reduce reliance on imports.
“Cost-effective local poultry production and robust agribusiness promotion can substantially decrease our dependency on imported poultry products,” she asserted, stressing the sector’s capacity to generate employment opportunities.
Adding his voice, Hon.Alhaji Hardi Tufeiru, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture in charge of Livestock, urged youth investment in the poultry sector, highlighting its growth prospects. “The government’s second phase of the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative outlines a strategic plan to bridge poultry sector deficits over the next five years,” Tufeiru disclosed, emphasizing newly established support mechanisms for initiative participants.
The 4th Ghana Poultry Day served as a strategic platform for stakeholders to strategize on propelling the poultry sector’s growth, ensuring its robust contribution to Ghana’s agricultural and economic development. Discussions underscored the imperative for collaborative efforts in enhancing the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability.
The event featured diverse activities, including a chef cooking competition showcasing various poultry-based delicacies. Madam Charity Akortia, the 2023 National Best Farmer, emerged first in the competition, followed by Mr. Cecil T. Sunkwa-Mills of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association and the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO).
In the student cooking competition, Ngleshie Amanfro S.H.S claimed the first position, with Achimota Senior High School and Accra Academy securing the second and third positions, respectively.