Stakeholders in Ghana's poultry industry have warned that the continued inflow of low-priced imported chicken is eroding the competitiveness of local producers. This trend threatens investments within the sector. These concerns were voiced in anticipation of the sixth Ghana Poultry Day, an event where industry leaders will discuss ways to strengthen the poultry value chain.
Imported poultry products benefit from significant price advantages, which limits the growth of domestic production. This situation reduces the ability of local farmers to expand their businesses and create jobs. Consumers often prioritize price and availability when buying chicken, making cheaper foreign options more attractive, especially in urban areas.
This issue highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing consumer demand for affordable goods with the need to protect local industries. Ghana aims to become more self-sufficient in food production. The reliance on imports for a staple like chicken contradicts this goal. Data consistently shows that Ghana's import bill for food products remains high, impacting the national trade balance and local economic development.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director and Founder of Agrihouse Foundation, stressed the need for sustained policy support. She stated this support is crucial to address market imbalances that continue to favor imported poultry products. Ms. Akosa highlighted that imported chicken often benefits from large-scale production, subsidies, and established supply chains. She warned that without deliberate interventions, Ghana's poultry industry may struggle to achieve sustainable growth and reach its full economic potential. Ms. Akosa called for stronger enforcement of standards and market regulations. She also advocated for enhanced local procurement, targeted subsidies, and public education campaigns to encourage the consumption of Ghanaian chicken. These measures would improve farmers' incomes, create jobs, strengthen food security, and reduce Ghana’s import bill.
The Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Setor Dumelo, acknowledged the challenge. Mr. Dumelo confirmed the government is implementing measures to reduce poultry imports and increase local production. These policies aim to boost the supply of Ghanaian chicken on the market. The goal is to gradually reduce dependence on imports and stabilize prices. Support for commercial poultry farmers and efforts to expand production capacity will improve the availability and affordability of locally produced chicken. The government's actions will be crucial in determining the industry's future. Watch for new subsidies and stricter customs enforcement.