February 1, 2022

Ghana to compensate US$2.2 million to poultry farmers affected by bird flu

Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Ghana's Minister of Agriculture, said the government will compensate about GHS 14 million (~US$2.2 million; GHS 1 = US$0.16) to poultry farmers in the country that have been affected by bird flu, Ghanaian Times reported.

The compensation is part of the GHS 44 million emergency budget to combat the disease that has been detected in 10 out of the 16 regions in the country.

In addition to the compensation, the government will recruit 550 professionals to all veterinary directorates in the country, as well as acquire vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and medicines in its efforts to protect the nation's livestock and poultry farms.

Dr Akoto said the affected poultry products did not get into the market, adding that 703,966 poultry have been killed by bird flu in Ghana.

He said the government's action plan includes creating public awareness of the diseases, engaging with stakeholders, decontamination, acquiring disposal materials and other logistic tools, and compensating affected farmers.

-      Ghanaian Times