The National Service Authority (NSA) has said it is set to partner with Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to expand the Kumasi-based university's poultry farm from a 3,500 to 500,000 capacity.

The initiative is aimed at reducing Ghana's reliance on poultry imports. 

Ruth Dela Seddoh, Director-General of NSA, described current poultry import levels as "shocking" and emphasised the need for local production.

This partnership, she said, will empower Ghanaian youth with skills, create jobs, and promote agricultural development. 

The NSA and KNUST already have established a six-member committee to oversee the project, with KNUST providing land and NSA providing resources. 

Seddoh said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed to kick-start the project, which will also explore pig and fish farming.

She disclosed that over 10,000 prospective national service personnel out of 100,000 who have already registered had opted for the agriculture module, indicating a growing youth interest in agriculture.

Seddoh also indicated that the government was working to increase national service personnel allowances in this year's review.

The President of the National Service Personnel Association, Andy Amuaku, had earlier appealed for an increase in their allowance at the 42nd NASPA Annual Terminal Congress in Kumasi.