They say necessity is the mother of invention, and this aptly describes the journey of Mr Jeffrey Nsia, a 38-year-old pig farmer from Kenyasi in the Asutifi South District of the Ahafo Region.
Popularly known as Jeff, he is the owner of J-SIX Pig Farm, a thriving piggery that has become one of the notable agribusiness ventures in the area.
Speaking to The Ghanaian Times, Mr Nsia explained that his decision to venture into piggery was inspired by the presence of Newmont Ahafo Mines and its subcontractors, with whom he hoped to do business.
He initially tested the waters in 2019 with the supply of beef (cattle meat) to companies operating around the mines.
The business performed well, but due to inadequate funds and the scarcity of cattle, he could not sustain supply. That challenge prompted him to consider pig farming as an alternative.
Mr Nsia began with 10 pigs — two males and eight females, using his personal savings.
The animals multiplied, but he faced serious setbacks, including theft, as he could not afford to hire security, and inadequate funds to purchase feed.
The project was eventually abandoned midway.
However, in 2022, fortune smiled on him when he approached the Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Newmont Ahafo Mines, with a business proposal.
The Foundation granted him a loan facility of GH¢350,000 to revive the farm. With the funding, he secured land and constructed structures to house the pigs.
The farm has since been expanded, employing seven farmhands — two farm attendants, two security guards, an accountant, a driver, and himself.
Currently, J-SIX Pig Farm supplies pork to Chinese restaurants in Kumasi and the Ahafo enclave.
Despite the progress, Mr Nsia noted that more support is needed to acquire modern equipment such as gestation crates, which provide safe delivery and controlled environments for pregnant sows.
This, he emphasised, would reduce piglet mortality, since a single sow can deliver as many as 12 piglets at a time.
The NADeF’s micro-credit and business start-up schemes have been a lifeline for many local entrepreneurs like Mr Nsia.
Since its inception in 2011, the scheme has invested a total of GH¢6.8 million, benefiting 2,353 clients, with an impressive recovery rate of 98 per cent.
In 2024 alone, NADeF disbursed GH¢5,151,000 to 1,189 community members, including 195 new beneficiaries.
Additionally, two youth from Kenyasi No. 2 received a total of GH¢160,000 under the business start-up capital support scheme.
NADeF, established as the CSR vehicle for Newmont Ahafo Mines—has over the years implemented a variety of developmental interventions across key sectors including education, infrastructure, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
For Mr Nsia, the support has been transformative. “The Foundation’s assistance has given me a second chance to grow my dream. With further investment, I believe this farm can become one of the best in the region,” he said with optimism.
FROM DANIEL DZRISAH, KENYASI
