The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has dismissed claims that a body known as the National Broiler Project Directorate is implementing poultry programmes under his ministry.
Speaking on The Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the Minister said he is unaware of any such office executing government-backed projects, stressing that all agricultural initiatives operate under his direct supervision.
The issue came up during discussions on the “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” programme, amid reports that some beneficiaries received fewer than the expected 50 birds.
Earlier on the programme, the alleged National Coordinator of the directorate, Kelvin Ocran, explained that the initiative focuses on supporting large-scale poultry farms to boost production and meet national demand.
He noted that the programme also aims to gradually build capacity among new entrants in the poultry sector.
“We want to create opportunities for poultry entrepreneurs from the grassroots. It’s a delicate sector, so we avoid giving large numbers of birds to beginners without experience,” he said.
But Mr Opoku rejected any suggestion that the directorate operates under the Ministry, insisting that such a body, if it exists, does not have the mandate to implement government programmes.
“That office is supposed to be an advisory office. They don’t actually implement projects. I am surprised, and I am not aware of that,” he stated.
When asked directly whether the directorate exists within the Ministry, the Minister responded: “No, no, no.”
He maintained that all agricultural interventions are carried out through officially recognised structures and under his authority as sector minister.
“I am the Minister for Food and Agriculture. All such projects are executed under my instruction. I have never heard that such a project is being run by another agency,” he stressed.
Mr Opoku further revealed that he has not seen any budgetary provision for the initiative, raising concerns about its legitimacy.
“This is the first time I am hearing this. Even in the budget, I did not see any allocation for such a programme,” he added.
The development has triggered fresh concerns over coordination and transparency within Ghana’s poultry sector, especially as efforts intensify to boost local production and tackle unemployment.