President Mahama inspects Bechem Meat Processing Factory in the Ahafo Region

President John Dramani Mahama recently inspected the ongoing construction of the Poultry, Meat and Feed Processing Plant, aptly named 'Nkokɔ Nketenkete', located in Bechem, Ahafo Region. The project, which Mahama had inaugurated a year prior, had progressed by approximately 50 percent. The President commended the project consultants, Architecture and Engineering Services Limited (AESL), for the successful completion thus far.

Mahama expressed optimism about the factory's potential to make Bechem the 'chicken capital of Ghana'. He encouraged the youth in and around Bechem to embrace poultry farming and benefit from the Feed Ghana programme. By targeting the poultry value chain, the youth could even purchase processed chicken from the factory for sale across the nation.

The Minister of Agriculture, Eric Opoku, briefed the President on the project's progress, stating that all payments to the contractor had been made. The contractor assured that the plant would be completed and operational by the end of the first quarter of 2027. The plant would feature two processing lines, including one for layers with a combined capacity of 6,000 eggs per hour.

Moreover, the facility would require a continuous supply of chickens to operate around the clock, prompting the establishment of contracts with farmers across various regions for off-taking and processing. The factory would also provide cold storage facilities for farmers' produce.

Under Mahama's supervision, the Agric Minister disclosed that domestic poultry production had skyrocketed from 4.7 percent to 22 percent as of May 2026. This remarkable growth marked an unprecedented achievement in Ghana's history. The Feed Ghana programme, initiated by the President, has played a pivotal role in this remarkable transformation. Despite a glut of eggs in the market, the minister emphasized the sustainability of the programme and its significant impact on Ghana's poultry sector.

The Minister of Food and Agriculture, further briefing the President, disclosed that the Bechem facility would encompass a feed production component, utilizing the shells from the processing lines for feed production. Additionally, a hatchery would be established to produce day-old chicks for distribution to farmers, ensuring the continued success of the programme.

Furthermore, two trucks for the distribution of branded broilers were being procured through the contract to bolster market access. The Minister affirmed that a private operator would manage the facility to optimize efficiency, in line with Mahama's directive. Mahama also inspected a CHPS Compound at Ahyiaem in the Tano North Municipality during his visit.