President John Dramani Mahama has expressed optimism that the ongoing Poultry and Meat Processing Factory project at Bechem in the Ahafo Region will transform the town into Ghana’s chicken production hub once it becomes operational.
The President made the prediction during an inspection of construction works on the facility, which is currently about 50 per cent complete.
The inspection formed part of the first day of his two-day Resetting Ghana Tour of the Ahafo Region, aimed at assessing development projects and engaging stakeholders on the government’s development agenda.
Bechem Poultry Factory Expected to Open in 2027
The government officially commenced construction of the modern poultry, meat and animal feed processing plant on November 27, 2025, when President Mahama cut the sod for the project.
The facility is expected to be ready for commissioning by the end of the first quarter of 2027.
When completed, the factory is expected to strengthen Ghana’s poultry industry by providing modern processing facilities, creating employment opportunities and supporting the growth of local poultry production.
The project is also expected to help improve the poultry value chain by linking farmers to processing facilities and creating a reliable market for locally produced chicken.
Mahama Urges Bechem Youth to Invest in Poultry Farming
President Mahama encouraged young people in Bechem and surrounding communities to take advantage of the upcoming factory by venturing into poultry farming.
He explained that the facility would create a ready market for poultry farmers, making the sector an attractive opportunity for young entrepreneurs seeking employment and sustainable sources of income.
According to the President, expanding local poultry production is essential to ensuring that the factory has sufficient supplies for processing when it becomes operational.
He noted that the government had introduced the Nkoko Nketenkete initiative before construction began on the processing facility to increase poultry production and establish a sustainable supply chain for the industry.
President Mahama further emphasised that the factory would generate jobs for residents and contribute to economic growth in Bechem and the wider Ahafo Region.
Nkoko Nketenkete Initiative Boosts Ghana’s Poultry Production
The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, disclosed that Ghana’s domestic poultry production had increased from 4.6 per cent to 22 per cent as of May 2026 following the introduction of the Nkoko Nketenkete initiative under the government’s Feed Ghana Programme.
The initiative is intended to promote local poultry farming, increase domestic chicken production and reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported poultry products.
The reported increase highlights the government’s efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector and improve food security through local production.
Poultry Factory to Support Jobs and Reduce Chicken Imports
The Bechem Poultry and Meat Processing Factory forms part of broader efforts to develop Ghana’s poultry industry, create jobs and increase the contribution of agriculture to the national economy.
By providing modern processing infrastructure and expanding market opportunities for local farmers, the project is expected to encourage investment in poultry farming and related businesses.
The factory could also help Ghana reduce its reliance on imported chicken by improving the availability and processing of locally produced poultry.
If supported by adequate poultry feed supplies, reliable financing, efficient distribution networks and sustained production by farmers, the facility could become an important driver of agricultural industrialisation and job creation in the Ahafo Region.
Source: newsthemegh.com