John Dramani Mahama inspects 50% completed Bechem poultry factory

President John Dramani Mahama has inspected the ongoing construction of the Poultry, Meat and Feed Processing Factory in Bechem, Ahafo Region, as part of his national "Resetting Ghana" tour. The facility is currently 50% complete and serves as a vital component of the government's Feed Ghana Programme. During the inspection, President Mahama expressed confidence that the project would transform Bechem into the "chicken capital" of Ghana when it becomes operational, which is expected by the first quarter of 2027.

Minister of Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku, who accompanied the President, highlighted the significant gains made in the sector. He revealed that domestic poultry production has increased from 4.6% to 22% following the implementation of the Nkoko Nketenkete initiative. The Bechem plant is designed to support this upward trend by providing necessary processing and cold storage infrastructure. This will help address challenges such as the periodic glut in egg production and provide a more stable economic environment for local poultry farmers.

The factory is expected to be a major source of employment, particularly for the youth in the region. President Mahama encouraged local residents to take an active interest in poultry farming, emphasizing that the new facility would offer a reliable and ready market for their produce. The Nifahene of Bechem, speaking on behalf of the community, welcomed the project and noted that it has already begun to provide jobs for locals during the construction phase, contributing to the area's economic revitalization.

Upon completion, the facility will include modern processing lines and feed production units. In addition to commercial sales, the government plans to incorporate eggs from the factory into the National School Feeding Programme to bolster student nutrition and support local agriculture. The project, which began in late 2025, reflects a broader commitment to industrializing the agricultural sector and reducing Ghana's dependence on imported poultry products.