Poultry industry experts have expressed concern that the continued influx of cheaper imported chicken is distorting Ghana’s poultry market and limiting the growth of local producers.
They said imported poultry products continue to dominate the market despite government efforts to increase domestic production and reduce the country’s dependence on imports.
The concerns were raised ahead of the sixth Ghana Poultry Day, where stakeholders are expected to discuss strategies to strengthen the poultry value chain and improve the competitiveness of local producers.
John Setor Dumelo, Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, acknowledged the challenge and said government was implementing measures to boost local production and increase the availability of Ghanaian chicken on the market.
He said ongoing interventions to support commercial poultry farmers and expand production capacity were expected to reduce imports and make locally produced chicken more affordable.
Ms Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, said sustainable growth of the poultry sector would require stronger policy support and deliberate efforts to encourage the consumption of locally produced chicken.
She noted that although chicken remained one of the most consumed proteins in Ghana, consumer purchasing decisions were often influenced by price and availability.
According to her, imported chicken enjoys significant pricing advantages due to large-scale production, subsidies and well-established supply chains in exporting countries, making it difficult for local producers to compete.
Ms Akosa called for stronger enforcement of market regulations and standards to create a fair and competitive environment for Ghanaian poultry farmers.
She urged policymakers to consider measures such as targeted support for local producers, enhanced procurement of locally produced chicken and public awareness campaigns to promote the consumption of made-in-Ghana poultry products.
Ms Akosa said addressing market distortions in the poultry sector would help improve farmer incomes, create jobs and reduce the country’s food import bill.
