SHSs to Launch Poultry and Livestock Farms for Self-Sufficiency – Mahama Announces at Ghanasco Anniversary
President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a bold new policy mandating all senior high schools (SHSs) across Ghana to establish on-campus poultry and livestock farms, aiming to slash reliance on market-bought meat and foster agricultural skills among students.
The initiative, which will roll out nationwide, was announced during the grand 65th anniversary celebration of Ghana Senior High School (Ghanasco) in Tamale — the alma mater of both President Mahama and First Lady Lordina Mahama.
Addressing an enthusiastic crowd of students, alumni, and dignitaries, President Mahama singled out Ghanasco as one of the pioneer schools for the project.
“We are coming up with a policy where secondary schools will have a poultry farm and a livestock farm, so Ghanasco will be one of the schools selected,” he declared. “We will establish a poultry farm here and a livestock farm so that you don’t have to go to the market to buy your meat. You take your meat from your own farm. And again, the headmaster will have no excuse when you go to the dining hall and there’s no meat in your food.”
The policy forms part of the Mahama administration’s wider push for food security and practical education in schools, equipping students with hands-on experience in farming while cutting costs and ensuring fresher, more affordable protein sources on menus.
Education experts have welcomed the move as a timely response to Ghana’s youth unemployment challenges, blending vocational training with the Free SHS programme.
Implementation details, including funding and timelines, are expected in the coming weeks, with Ghanasco’s farms set to break ground early next year.
