The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bawku West, James Ayamwego, has identified guinea fowl production as a key sector that can create jobs, empower women, and strengthen the local economy.
Speaking in an interview on A1 Radio following the launch of the Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture, and Regional Livelihoods (PEARL) initiative in the Upper East Region, Mr. Ayamwego said guinea fowl rearing is already a common livelihood activity in the district, with an estimated seven out of every 10 households engaged in it. He noted that women form the majority of those involved in the business, making it a strategic area for improving household incomes and promoting economic inclusion.
“In fact, it has been one of the areas I am really fascinated about, especially looking at the actors in that. The majority of them are women. Apart from that, I can say that out of 10 households, seven households are into Guinea fowls.”
He explained that expanding guinea fowl production could play a significant role in addressing unemployment if farmers receive the needed financial support to increase their stock.
“As a district, of course, it is one of the areas that we can easily handle to help address the unemployment situation,” he said.
According to him, helping small-scale producers scale up their operations would improve productivity and create more sustainable livelihoods.
The DCE also stressed the need for a structured and reliable market for guinea fowl products. He observed that many producers currently depend on sales to passersby and travellers, limiting their earning potential. Developing a more organised value chain, including processing and transporting guinea fowl meat to other parts of the country, he said, would significantly boost the industry and increase returns for farmers.
“We need to support our farmers with some capital to be able to expand the work they do. Of course, if you are rearing 10 guinea fowls, when you have a little support, you can improve on your product. Apart from that, we should begin to look at the market.”
Mr. Ayamwego further highlighted the importance of veterinary support, particularly during the early stages of raising guinea fowls, when the birds require closer care. He noted that once they survive the first few months, guinea fowls are generally hardy and less susceptible to diseases, making them well suited for large-scale production in the district.
“We need the support of the veterinary officers. Guinea fowls largely are able to withstand a lot of environmental factors. So rearing them is not much,” he added.
The PEARL initiative, launched for all 15 districts in the Upper East Region, seeks to transform the regional economy by leveraging agriculture, mineral resources, artisanal industries, and human capital. The programme has an investment target of GH¢8.6 billion and aims to promote sustainable livelihoods, quality public services, and long-term economic growth across the region.
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