Bird flu: Poultry farmers to receive GHC44 million compensation, says Afriyie Akoto
The agric minister said that the compensation payment will be done in a transparent manner to ensure that every affected farmer benefits
Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, the Minister of Food and Agriculture has said that poultry farmers affected by the recent bird flu outbreak will soon receive their compensations following the approval of an amount of GHC 44 million by the government to mitigate their plight.
The agric minister said that the compensation payment will be done in a transparent manner to ensure that every affected farmer benefits.
He said: “Mr Speaker, let me reiterate that the government has approved compensation funds to farmers affected by the Avian Influenza as a component of the total approved budget of nearly GHC 44 million.”
“…At this stage, let me assure the House that the exercise will be carried out transparently to ensure justice for all farmers,” he stated.
Akoto also indicated that despite the outbreak of the disease in the country, poultry products still remained wholesome due to the measures put in place to ensure those affected do not get into the market.
Addressing a question filed by the MP Kwadaso Dr Kingsley Nyarko on the floor of Parliament on Thursday (27 January), Akoto said the government has finalised the animal health bill to prevent the regular outbreaks of bird flu.
“Mr Speaker, to forestall the frequent recurrence of the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and other trans-border and animal diseases, the government has finalised the Animal Health Bill for consideration of this Parliament. The passage of this bill will ensure effective regulation of livestock and poultry in this country.
“…The introduction of a new legal framework will also vest authority in the BSD to certify all animal farms and also apply sanctions against recalcitrant farmers such as the closure of farms to serve as a deterrent to others,” he noted.
Akoto further explained that several measures have been taken by the government to make fertilizers available and accessible to farmers.
Nicholas Brown
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