The Ghana National Association of Poultry Farmers has called on the Ministry of Health to join them in dispelling erroneous impressions about the consumption of eggs to help boost their businesses.
According to the poultry farmers, the consumption of eggs has been ‘demonized’ and as a result, its patronage has been hugely affected thereby having a toll on them.
They are therefore calling on the ministry of health to join them in sensitization the general public on it to help increase the per capita consumption of eggs in Ghana.
Speaking at an event to commemorate world egg day in Kumasi, the National Chairman of Ghana National Association of Poultry Farmers, Victor Oppong Agyei reiterated that researches have shown that consumption of an egg a day will not have any negative effect on one’s health but will rather improve health conditions.
“We are all aware that in this country, egg has been demonized. Many people do not eat eggs because of ‘perceived cholesterol’. So this is an awareness creation for people to know that that egg is not a demon as we see it because eggs help improve our health. Egg contains almost all the nutrients for good health. So we are creating awareness for people to start eating eggs. Our theme for this year’s world egg celebration is ‘eat egg today and every day’. We are not limited when it comes to eating eggs. You can eat it at any time, any day. If you eat one to three eggs a day, it will not have any effect on you”.
The poultry farmers believe when personnel from the ministry of health join in the campaign in creating the awareness on the need to eat eggs, the general public will know that it is coming from an expert point of view and not just a ploy by the poultry farmers to deceive them into patronizing their business.
“I think the ministry of health should come in because as I am speaking, some people will say I am just trying to sell my eggs that is why I am saying this but if the health officers are talking about it, it carries weight because they (health experts) know the nutritional value of eggs”.
They believe once the poultry business flourishes, it will affect the activities of crop farmers such as maize and soya bean farmers.
Speaking to Citi News, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of Poultry Farmers Association, Dr. Boris Baidoo said when the poultry industry becomes strong, it will have a positive impact on all players within its value chain and as a result, more employment would be created.
“If people consume eggs, of course, the value chain will work. The ministry of Agriculture can even employ more people and there will be more jobs created for the youth”.
He further charged poultry farmers who were gathered at the Heroes Park at the Baba Yara sports stadium in Kumasi to work hard to improve the poultry industry to help reduce importation of chicken into the country.
As part of the World Egg Day celebration, the poultry farmers organized organized a quiz competition between Opoku Ware school and T. I Ahmadiyya Senior High School to test their knowledge on the consumption of eggs.
They then donated eggs to the Kumasi Children’s Home, Suntreso Government Hospital and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.