Poultry Farmers Call for Long-Term Reforms in 2026 Mid-Year Budget
Ghana's poultry industry seeks comprehensive strategy beyond current initiatives to address high feed costs and import reliance.
Dr. Nana Asare | StatsGH |
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Ali Mohammed, Chief Executive Officer of GAFFA, emphasized that initiatives like 'Nkoko Nkitinkiti' are only mitigating factors. He stressed the need for a broader strategy to revive the poultry sector. Mr. Mohammed expects the government to review the implementation of 'Nkoko Nkitinkiti' and engage industry players before rolling out future phases of the program.
This demand for long-term planning fits into Ghana's broader economic narrative of reducing import dependency and boosting local production. The poultry industry's reliance on imported feed ingredients contributes to foreign exchange pressures and makes the sector vulnerable to global price fluctuations. Strengthening local supply chains for maize and soya would support agricultural growth and enhance food security.
Mr. Mohammed, speaking on Joy FM's Super Morning Show on Thursday, July 23, 2026, highlighted that the poultry industry requires a development plan extending beyond a decade. He stated, "The poultry industry should have about a 10-year-plus plan laid out." He also noted that policymakers should not develop policies in isolation, but rather as a holistic approach for all sectors.
The primary obstacle for the poultry industry is the high cost of poultry feed, which accounts for almost 80% of production expenses. Mr. Mohammed urged the government to increase local production of maize and soya, the main ingredients in poultry feed. He warned that without addressing this issue, the sector would continue to struggle.
Most of the maize and soya used by Ghanaian poultry farmers are imported because locally produced crops often fail to meet industry quality standards. Mr. Mohammed disclosed that almost 80% of the soya used in the poultry industry is imported. He explained that poultry feed requires specific quality thresholds for maize, which are often not met by local produce.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture must create stronger links between local maize and soya producers and poultry feed manufacturers. This linkage would ensure that local farmers produce crops meeting the strict quality standards required by the industry. GAFFA already operates a feed mill and is constructing another, indicating significant processing capacity within the sector.
The poultry sector's annual consumption of maize, even for smaller millers, is no less than 400 metric tonnes. This demonstrates the substantial demand for these raw materials. Addressing the quality and quantity of local maize and soya production is crucial for the industry's long-term sustainability and Ghana's economic stability.