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Annual $400m imports of chicken is a shame – Mahama

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Ghana imports nearly $400 million worth of chicken every year, President John Mahama has said.

The President said the imports ought to be a source of shame for all Ghanaians, reiterating plans to support 54 individuals to produce four million birds that would amount to 10,000 metric tons of chicken.

President Mahama stressed his government commitment to advancing livestock development to improve cattle production and small ruminants, including goats and sheep, and improving access to high-quality breeds alongside.

The President made this known when he launched the government’s Feed Ghana Programme, a flagship initiative in Techiman in the Bono East Region.

He said the livestock production component of the programme would also focus on agro production enclaves and infrastructure.

That involves the execution of  irrigation systems, improved road infrastructure, provision of power supply, and establishment of warehousing facilities that would attract private investment.

The President said that the programme would further enhance the production and processing of agricultural produce.

President Mahama presented maize seeds, fertilizers, a Kia truck, and tractors to some institutions including the Ghana Prisons Service, National Service Authority to spearhead the implementation of the programme.

He called for unity and shared commitment in transforming the nation’s agriculture, as a driver of national growth and prosperity, saying the Feed Ghana Programme presented a proactive initiative rather than just a policy.

Admitting some challenges in the sector, the President said he was highly optimistic that the implementation of the programme would achieve successes, and called on farmers, agribusinesses, financial institutions, and development partners to join forces for the programme to achieve desirable outcomes.

The programme aims to implement strategic measures to increase food production, promote the adoption of modern farming techniques, improve infrastructure, and establish agro-industrial zones across Ghana.

President Mahama said key interventions within the Feed Ghana Programme include smart agriculture involving establishment of farmers’ service centres nationwide.

The centres will provide essential services such as mechanization, quality inputs, financial support, market access, primary processing and training for farmers.

President Mahama announced the creation of farm banks or land banks in designated irrigable zones to support young agri-entrepreneurs and contribute to the enhancement of national food production.

He said the second component of the programme, grains and legumes development would also focused on increasing the production of maize, rice, soya beans, and sorghum for consumption, agro-processing, and export.

The third component, which is vegetable development project or ‘Yeredua’ aimed at reducing imports from neighbouring countries by promoting the cultivation of vegetables locally.

President Mahama highlighted the importance of investing in controlled environmental farming, such as greenhouse technologies, urban and peri-urban agriculture, and promoting schools to grow their own vegetables through backyard gardening.

The fourth component of the initiative will focus on promoting institutional farming to empower households and communities to cultivate vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and garden eggs to enhance self-sufficiency.

It will also extend support to institutions such as Senior High Schools to access lands to engage in crop production and livestock farming.

The fifth component of the programme involves the revitalization of the poultry industry, known as the “Nkoko Nketenkete” project.

Source: Myjoyonline

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Fuel Prices Set to Drop from June 16 After Levy Suspension

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Ghanaians can expect a drop in fuel prices starting Monday, June 16, 2025, following the government’s decision to suspend the proposed GH¢1.0 Energy Sector Levy. This comes as a relief to consumers and marks the seventh consecutive price reduction since mid-February.

 

The latest Pricing Outlook Report from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) indicates that the postponement of the levy is a key factor driving the anticipated price cuts.

 

Projected Prices at the Pump

According to data sourced from oil marketing firms and obtained by Joy Business, the new price of petrol is expected to be around GH¢11.77 per litre — representing a drop between 1.1% and 2.25% from prices recorded on June 1.

Diesel prices are set for a more significant decrease, falling by as much as 4.3% to about GH¢12.13 per litre. Likewise, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) will see a 3.2% dip, bringing the price per kilogram to GH¢13.30.

 

Why Are Prices Falling?

The Chamber attributes the downward trend primarily to the Ghana cedi’s continued appreciation against the US dollar. This currency strength has offset the impact of rising global oil prices, which surged amid renewed conflict in the Middle East.

 

Despite crude oil prices climbing to around $75 per barrel due to Israel’s military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Ghanaian fuel prices remain stable — for now. The situation, however, remains volatile.

 

Warning Signs for July

Officials at COMAC caution that if global oil prices continue to climb, fuel prices in Ghana could begin to rise again starting July 1, 2025.

 

Recent escalations in the Middle East have already caused oil prices to rise sharply, with Brent crude jumping 4.41% from $65.35 to $68.23 per barrel. These tensions have also prompted the United States to partially evacuate its embassy in Iraq, adding to global uncertainty.

 

As a result, international benchmark prices for petrol and diesel have risen by 1.03% and 3.94% respectively. In contrast, LPG prices dropped by 1.79%.

 

Impact of the Suspended Levy

COMAC’s projections suggest that had the government gone ahead with the additional GH¢1.0 Energy Sector Levy, consumers would have faced significant price hikes. Petrol would have surged by 9.1% per litre and diesel by 8.25%. LPG would have still seen a modest 2.29% decline, as it was not included in the levy’s scope.

 

The current suspension offers temporary relief, but stakeholders warn that sustained global instability may force a reversal of the current trend in the coming weeks.

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PHOTOS: Otumfuo Urges Government to Cut Food Imports, Revive Interest in Farming

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The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has expressed deep concern over Ghana’s continued dependence on imported food items that can be cultivated locally.

He urged the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, to take bold steps to significantly reduce food imports and prioritize the development of local agriculture.

Speaking during a courtesy call by the Minister and his delegation at the Manhyia Palace on Friday, June 13, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasized the need for urgent interventions to rekindle interest in farming, particularly among the youth.

The Asantehene recommended a possible revival of the historic “Operation Feed Yourself” initiative from the Acheampong era, should the government deem it necessary to revitalize the agricultural sector.

“It’s disheartening that we are still importing basic produce like tomatoes and onions. Work hard to halt or at least minimize food imports so we can produce more locally. I’ll be monitoring closely—make sure farmers get irrigation support,” he stressed.

Otumfuo also called on chiefs and traditional leaders across the country to contribute to national development by making land available for agricultural use, suggesting such lands could be offered as equity in farming ventures to encourage investment and productivity.

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TECNO Named Official Global Partner for CAF AFCON 2025 and 2027

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As excitement builds for the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced TECNO, the AI-powered technology brand and subsidiary of Transsion Holdings, as the Official Global Partner for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025, as well as the 2027 edition, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

This strategic partnership reflects TECNO’s vision of empowering young Africans through the intersection of technology and sports. With its brand philosophy, “Stop at Nothing,” TECNO aims to inspire and equip the next generation across the continent to pursue their dreams and reach new heights.

The announcement comes on the heels of TECNO’s successful collaboration with CAF during the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023, where the brand served as the exclusive smartphone sponsor. That partnership delivered record-breaking engagement and deepened TECNO’s investment in African football, laying the foundation for this renewed alliance.

CAF General Secretary, Véron Mosengo-Omba, made the announcement in Nairobi, Kenya, stating:

“The growing success of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations has led to several high-impact sponsorships. TECNO’s continued support will play a vital role in helping Africa’s biggest sporting event expand its reach and influence. On behalf of CAF and its 54 Member Associations, we express our sincere gratitude to TECNO for investing in the future of African football.”

Benjamin Jiang, Vice President of Transsion Holdings, also expressed enthusiasm about the renewed partnership:

“This collaboration is a reflection of the trust and shared success we’ve built with CAF. In our previous engagement, we witnessed how football sparked passion and how AI-powered technology connected and empowered millions across Africa.”

He continued:

“This partnership goes far beyond the game. It represents a shared ambition—a platform for young Africans to thrive, driven by innovation and progress. It underscores our commitment to using AI-driven solutions to shape a brighter future for the continent.”

As part of its pan-African commitment, TECNO is also continuing its “Dream Field Renovation” campaign, a community initiative launched with CAF in 2024. The project aims to renovate 100 football fields in underserved communities across Africa by 2028, promoting healthy living, youth engagement, and access to quality sports infrastructure.

About TECNO
TECNO is a global technology brand powered by artificial intelligence, operating in over 70 markets across five continents. The company is dedicated to transforming digital experiences in emerging markets through a bold blend of cutting-edge technology and contemporary design.

TECNO’s product ecosystem includes AI-enabled smartphones, wearables, laptops, tablets, gaming devices, the proprietary HiOS operating system, and smart home solutions. Guided by its brand ethos, “Stop at Nothing,” TECNO is committed to empowering forward-thinking individuals to unlock their potential and pursue a brighter future.

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