Mahama Addresses Guinea Fowl Controversy: “No Birds Flew to Burkina Faso”

- Mahama emphasized the SADA project was designed to incubate day-old guinea fowl chicks
- He criticized the media for amplifying a misunderstanding based on a watchman’s comment
- Mahama outlined a detailed plan for the project
John Dramani Mahama, the presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has dismissed claims that guinea fowls from the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) were flown to Burkina Faso during his presidency in 2014.
The issue gained notoriety when reports suggested that guinea fowls involved in the SADA initiative had migrated to Burkina Faso. In a recent media engagement in Bolgatanga, concluding his tour of the Upper East Region, Mahama refuted these allegations.
He clarified that the project involved incubating day-old guinea fowl chicks, which were then intended to be distributed to farmers, rather than having the birds remain in a single location. Mahama criticized the media for spreading misinformation without fully understanding the project.
“No guinea fowl flew to Burkina Faso. Guinea fowls are not migratory birds, and the project was not about having large numbers of birds in one spot. It was meant to incubate eggs and provide day-old chicks to farmers,” he explained.
Mahama described how a misunderstanding arose when a watchman’s comment about the birds’ temporary absence was misinterpreted and widely reported, leading to false beliefs about the project’s outcome.
He also outlined a comprehensive plan for the project, which included processing the guinea fowls in a plant and transporting them to markets. However, Mahama noted that the project faced challenges and was hindered by media criticism.