In a move set to boost local agro-industrialization, President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, 27th November,2025, officially cut the sod for the construction of the Poultry, Meat and Feed (popularly called Nkoko Nketenkete) Processing Plant at Bechem in the Ahafo Region. The groundbreaking ceremony, marks a major step towards creating jobs, enhancing poultry and agricultural product processing and stimulating economic growth in the region. The ceremony brought together a cross-section of the community, including government officials, representatives of the Ahafo Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC), traditional leaders, local residents, and members of the media, all of whom witnessed the historic sod-cutting event.
At the ceremony, the Ahafo Regional Minister, Hon. (Mrs.) Charity Gardiner, warmly welcomed His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, along with dignitaries, government officials, traditional leaders and community members. She described the project as a historic milestone for the region and emphasized its potential to provide a ready market for farmers, create employment opportunities for youth and women, and boost sustainable economic
growth. Hon. (Mrs.) Gardiner assured the government and stakeholders of the full support of the Ahafo RCC and the local community to ensure the smooth execution and success of the project.
On behalf of the Bechem Traditional Council, the Acting President, Opanwomasuo Boampong Bekoe also addressed the gathering, expressing gratitude to President Mahama for initiating the project. While commending the government’s efforts in agro-processing, he appealed for the upgrade of the Bechem Government Hospital, improvements at the Bechem Technical Institute, and the establishment of a campus of the proposed Ahafo
University in Bechem. He emphasized that these developments would enhance healthcare, education and the overall socio-economic growth in the area, while pledging the traditional council’s support for the success of the Processing Plant.
Hon. Eric Opoku, Member of Parliament for Asunafo South Constituency and Minister for Food and Agriculture, indicated the reason for the gathering, highlighting the strategic importance of the processing plant. He noted that the facility would provide a ready market for poultry farmers and agribusinesses, reduce post-harvest losses and transform agriculture into commercially viable ventures. Hon. Opoku added that the plant would serve as a hub for training and empowering local youth and women, ensuring that the community directly benefits from the initiative.
He urged all stakeholders to collaborate fully to ensure the smooth execution and sustainability of the project. In his address, President John Dramani Mahama expressed delight at inaugurating the Poultry, Meat and Feed Processing Plant, describing it as a key milestone in the government’s efforts to promote agro-processing, industrialization and job creation in the Ahafo Region. He noted that the project is designed to add value to poultry
and other agricultural products, create employment opportunities for local youth and women and stimulate economic growth in the region.
President Mahama further noted that the plant would help reduce the country’s reliance on imported chicken meat,ensuring that more poultry products are sourced and processed locally, which would strengthen Ghana’s food security and support local farmers. He added that the Nkoko Nketenkete initiative will also be implemented in Senior High Schools (SHSs), providing students with practical skills and exposure to agro-processing as part of their
educational curriculum.
The President announced that the project is expected to be completed within 12 months, urging all stakeholders and contractors to work diligently to meet the timeline. He acknowledged the contributions of farmers, local leaders, and government officials in supporting the project and encouraged youth and women of the region to take full advantage of the opportunities the processing plant would provide, including skills development, employment and participation
in agro-business activities.
In conclusion, President John Dramani Mahama thanked Hon. Eric Opoku and the Ministry of Food and Agriculturefor their exceptional efforts in bringing the Processing Plant to Ahafo, describing their work as instrumental in making the project a reality.The Poultry, Meat and Feed Processing Plant is part of a broader government initiative to promote agro-processing, enhance value addition to agricultural products, and stimulate regional economic development. The groundbreaking
ceremony concluded with President Mahama nteracting with community members and visiting the site earmarked for construction, marking the official start of work on the facility.
