NSA expands agribusiness, targets 500,000 poultry
The National Service Authority (NSA) has announced a major expansion of its agribusiness programme, targeting the rearing of 500,000 poultry birds and the recruitment of 50,000 young people into the agricultural value chain over the next year.
The move is aimed at creating jobs, strengthening food security and reducing Ghana’s reliance on imported poultry.
Speaking at the Agri-Impact Dinner and Awards in Accra, Ruth Dela Seddoh, Director-General of the NSA, revealed that the programme has already recorded rapid growth.
“Within just eight months, we moved from 2,500 to 100,000 birds. By next year, we are confident that our farms will reach 500,000 birds. This is not just about farming; it is about building a future for young people and giving them a stake in agribusiness,” she said
The NSA plans to deploy about 150,000 national service personnel this year, with at least 50,000 of them expected to enter agribusiness ventures such as poultry production, feed supply and distribution.
To lower the cost of entry, the Authority is offering day-old broilers at heavily subsidised prices, GHS70 instead of the market rate of GHS150.
“This tells you that practical steps are being taken. It is not just about making money but about creating opportunities for young people to succeed,” Ms Seddoh stressed.
The initiative responds to concerns about high costs in the poultry sector. While industry players have flagged rising input prices, Ms Seddoh urged stakeholders to view the long-term benefits of investing in youth-led agribusiness.
“Of course, everyone wants to reduce their costs, and we understand that. But we also want to encourage stakeholders to support these young people. The goal of our farming projects is not just to generate revenue but to support the country and its youth,” she explained.
To foster collaboration, the NSA has included a representative from the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) on its board and will engage stakeholders directly to address grievances.
