NSA Launches 'Nkokɔ Nketenkete' Initiative
Accra, Ghana - 18 March, 2025 - In a groundbreaking move aimed at transforming Ghana's agricultural landscape, the National Service Authority (NSA) has officially launched the Nkokɔ Nketenkete initiative at Papao Farms, a strategic project designed to revitalize the country's poultry industry and create sustainable employment opportunities for young Ghanaians.
The initiative, which is a key component of President John Mahama's vision to enhance Ghana's agricultural productivity, was unveiled by NSA Director-General, Mr. Felix Gyamfi, who expressed his confidence in the project's potential to generate substantial revenue and stimulate economic growth.
According to Mr. Gyamfi, the NSA has partnered with the MasterCard Foundation to enhance poultry production and improve productivity within the country. The initiative has already begun to take shape, with ongoing construction of a 300,000-capacity poultry farm at Papao Farms, which is expected to produce high-quality chicken products for both domestic consumption and export.
“The NSA stands in a better position to leverage agricultural activities to create wealth and support national development. I know that focusing on poultry production, we can tap into the growing demand for poultry products while providing sustainable employment for the youth,” he stated.
Hon. Fuseini Donkor, Deputy Director-General of the NSA in charge of Operations, has been tasked with overseeing the general activities of the Authority's Papao Farms. Hon. Donkor, who has a wealth of experience as the former District Chief Executive (DCE) of Sekyere Afram Plains in the Eastern Region, has reiterated his commitment to ensuring the success of the Nkokɔ Nketenkete initiative.
“In Ghana, the majority of households consume poultry products. As such, this partnership with the MasterCard Foundation will not only enhance poultry production but also create jobs and empower the youth. I am fully committed to ensuring the success of this initiative,” he assured.
"The initiative has come to stay. After Papao, we intend to expand to other regions and districts, ensuring that more young people benefit from this employment and agribusiness opportunity," Hon. Donkor stated during a meeting with farm managers and workers.
As part of measures to improve the welfare of National Service Personnel (NSP), Hon. Donkor also announced plans to introduce a free egg program aimed at boosting their nutrition and morale.
“There is a need to make the national service experience rewarding. We will introduce the free egg programme for all NSP, which will not only improve their nutrition but also boost their confidence and productivity during their service year,” he noted.
Additionally, Papao Farms will serve as a research and training center for students pursuing agricultural studies, providing hands-on learning and practical training to enhance expertise in the sector.
Agribusiness consultant, Abdul Razak Sania, emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment for poultry farming, ensuring maximum productivity and profitability. "With the right conditions, this initiative could yield significant economic benefits for the country," he noted.
The NSA has also announced plans to expand its agricultural ventures beyond poultry, with plans to introduce piggery, rabbitry, fish farming, and grasscutter rearing to further diversify employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for young Ghanaians.
Source: Lead News Online
