Residents of Amomaso in the Berekum West District of the Bono Region are complaining of a strong, persistent stench coming from a nearby poultry farm following the mass death of hundreds of chickens.
The unpleasant smell has lingered for about four days, making living conditions unbearable for people living close to the farm, especially during the early morning and evening hours.
Speaking to Amansan Somakrofo, the owner of Nhyira Farms and Nkosuohene of Amomaso, Nana Yeboah Asuama, explained that the deaths were allegedly caused by inadequate feeding.
He said officers from the Environmental Health Department were contacted and visited the farm initially but have not returned to address the situation, leaving residents exposed to the offensive odour.
A resident, Madam Gifty Oteng, who lives near the facility, said the stench has disrupted daily activities and raised fears of possible airborne diseases or health risks.
“We know the smell is not healthy, but we have no choice but to endure it,” she said, appealing to the relevant authorities to intervene urgently.
Meanwhile, the farm manager, Mr Richard Agyei, confirmed that a significant number of birds had died — from an initial stock of about 10,000, nearly half have been lost.
He attributed the losses to early-stage financial difficulties, insufficient feed supply, and the resignation of some workers, which left him managing the farm alone.
“As a beginner in the business, we faced financial challenges. We did not have enough feed, and some workers also resigned, leaving me to manage alone, which contributed to the deaths,” he explained.
Mr Agyei assured the public that steps are being taken to improve cleanliness, especially within the chicken housing area, and to resolve the situation.
The incident has renewed calls for stricter monitoring of poultry farms to prevent environmental nuisance and potential public health risks in surrounding communities.
Local authorities are yet to issue an official response or confirm any follow-up action.
