NPP began ‘Nkokor Nkintikiti’ as poultry intensification – Bryan Acheampong – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In the dynamic landscape of Ghanaian agriculture and political discourse, the “Nkokor Nkintikiti” initiative has emerged as a focal point of debate regarding policy continuity and innovation. Bryan Acheampong, a prominent New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful and former Minister for Agriculture, has asserted that the current ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s program is not a novel invention but rather a continuation of a poultry intensification strategy formulated under the previous NPP administration. This claim highlights the intricate relationship between political governance and agricultural development in Ghana.

The core of Acheampong’s argument rests on the assertion that the “Nkokor Nkintikiti” program, which aims to boost domestic poultry production and reduce import dependency, was originally conceptualized as a poultry intensification component within the NPP’s broader “Planting for Food and Jobs” (PFJ) Phase Two initiative. As consumers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector, understanding the lineage of such policies is crucial. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of these claims, exploring the background of the PFJ initiative, the specifics of the alleged continuity, and the broader implications for Ghana’s food security. We will navigate through the key points, background context, and practical advice for understanding agricultural policy evolution in Ghana.

Key Points

Background

To understand the validity and context of Bryan Acheampong’s claims, one must look back at the evolution of Ghana’s flagship agricultural program, “Planting for Food and Jobs” (PFJ). Launched in 2017 by the NPP government, the PFJ initiative was designed to create jobs, improve food security, and reduce food inflation. It focused on five key implementation modules: Planting for Food and Jobs, Fertilizer Subsidy, E-Agriculture, Marketing, and the “Planting for Export and Rural Development” (PERD).

The Evolution to PFJ Phase Two

By the end of the NPP administration’s term, plans were advanced for Phase Two of the program. Phase Two was intended to expand the scope beyond the initial staples (maize, rice, soybeans, sorghum, and cassava) to include other high-value crops and livestock. It was envisioned to incorporate more robust mechanization services, improved irrigation infrastructure, and a stronger focus on value chain development.

The Poultry Sector Context

Ghana’s poultry industry has historically faced significant challenges, primarily regarding the high cost of production compared to imported frozen chicken. The country imports a vast majority of its poultry products, leading to a drain on foreign exchange and concerns over food sovereignty. Consequently, any government policy aimed at “poultry intensification” is critical for the national economy. The NPP’s strategy under PFJ Phase Two was to revamp the poultry sector through a “broiler revolution,” aiming to make Ghana self-sufficient in poultry production within five years. It is this specific strategic intent that Acheampong refers to when claiming ownership of the “Nkokor Nkintikiti” concept.

Analysis

Bryan Acheampong’s assertion that the NDC is executing the NPP’s “Planting for Food and Jobs Phase Two” under the new name “Nkokor Nkintikiti” offers a fascinating case study in political branding and policy inheritance. Analyzing this claim requires looking at both the technical similarities and the political rhetoric.

The “Nkokor Nkintikiti” Phenomenon

The term “Nkokor Nkintikiti” translates roughly to a specific, perhaps rhythmic or concentrated, approach to poultry (eggs/chickens). While the NDC government presents this as a fresh initiative to revitalize the poultry industry, Acheampong’s analysis suggests that the blueprint—the target metrics for bird production, import substitution goals, and the timeline—remains identical to the NPP’s planning documents.

If the 2025/2026 NDC budget indeed mirrors the PFJ Phase Two document regarding the “ten targeted crops” and specific irrigation projects, this validates the claim of policy continuity. In political science, this is often referred to as “programmatic overlap.” However, political parties rarely acknowledge the success of their predecessors. Acheampong’s willingness to highlight that the NDC is using NPP ideas serves a dual purpose: it validates the NPP’s past policy formulation competence while subtly criticizing the NDC for lacking originality.

The Technical Aspect: Poultry Intensification

From an agricultural engineering perspective, “poultry intensification” implies moving from subsistence or semi-commercial farming to industrial-scale production. This involves:
1. **Genetic Improvement:** Using high-yield broiler and layer strains.
2. **Feed Optimization:** Reducing the cost of feed, which constitutes about 60-70% of production costs.
3. **Infrastructure:** Establishing hatcheries and cold storage chains.

Acheampong’s claim that the NPP projected the number of birds required over five years indicates that the “Nkokor Nkintikiti” targets were likely based on data generated during the NPP’s tenure. If the NDC is using the same targets, they are effectively validating the NPP’s modeling.

Political Implications

By asserting that he initiated specific irrigation projects, Acheampong is not just claiming credit; he is establishing a track record of execution. For a flagbearer hopeful, this is crucial. It positions him as a technocrat who understands the nuts and bolts of agricultural development, contrasting with the political rhetoric of the ruling party. The argument that “it is not a bad thing” that the NDC is using NPP policies is a rhetorical device to frame the NPP as the “natural party of government” regarding agriculture.

Practical Advice

For farmers, agricultural investors, and policy observers trying to navigate the current landscape of Ghanaian agriculture, the debate over “Nkokor Nkintikiti” versus “PFJ Phase Two” offers several practical insights:

1. Focus on Available Support, Not Just Labels

Whether a program is called “Planting for Food and Jobs” or “Nkokor Nkintikiti,” the underlying mechanisms—such as fertilizer subsidies, improved seeds, or poultry inputs—often remain the same. Farmers should focus on accessing these resources through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) extension officers, regardless of the political branding.

2. Verify Project Eligibility

If you are a poultry farmer, check the specific criteria for the current poultry intensification program. Since Acheampong suggests the targets are the same, the eligibility requirements (e.g., flock size, biosecurity measures) might also mirror previous NPP guidelines. Ensure your farm is registered and meets the necessary documentation standards to benefit from government interventions.

3. Leverage Irrigation Infrastructure

Acheampong noted that irrigation projects are being utilized. Farmers in areas near these commissioned projects should prioritize off-season farming. Access to water security allows for year-round poultry feed production (maize, soy), which significantly lowers the cost of production and increases profit margins.

4. Stay Informed on Policy Documents

To avoid misinformation, stakeholders should read the actual policy documents. The “Planting for Food and Jobs Phase Two” document is a public record. Comparing it with the current government’s budget statement provides a clear picture of what is actually being implemented versus what is being promised. This due diligence is vital for long-term business planning in the agricultural sector.

FAQ

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the “Nkokor Nkintikiti” program highlights the complex interplay between political succession and policy continuity in Ghana. Bryan Acheampong’s assertion that the current poultry intensification strategy is a derivative of the NPP’s “Planting for Food and Jobs Phase Two” provides a compelling narrative of policy inheritance. By citing specific budget alignments and infrastructure projects, he makes a technical case that the NDC is effectively walking the path paved by the previous administration.

Whether viewed as a lack of originality by the NDC or a necessary continuity of good governance by the NPP, the ultimate winners in this policy debate should be the Ghanaian poultry farmer and the consumer. If the targets for import reduction and domestic production are met, the specific name of the program becomes secondary to the outcome of enhanced food security. As the 2028 elections approach, expect the rhetoric regarding “who started what” to intensify, but for the agricultural sector, the focus must remain on the execution and sustainability of these intensification efforts.