Ghana’s poultry industry can regain its lost dominance and reduce dependence on imports if government and stakeholders adopt a set of practical, coordinated reforms outlined in a new draft Poultry Masterplan.
The 10-year strategic document, developed by industry experts and value chain actors, proposes a roadmap for transforming the sector into a competitive source of local protein, jobs, and economic growth. It is expected to be launched later this year.
According to Mr. Raymond Denteh, a leading agribusiness advocate and key contributor to the plan, the poultry industry’s recovery depends on targeted public policy actions and support for small-scale producers.
He said one of the key recommendations is the need for clear and enforced poultry import regulations. Mr. Denteh explained that Ghana cannot expect to build a sustainable domestic poultry industry while imports, many of them heavily subsidised or unregulated, continue to dominate the market.
He proposed a managed import regime that includes quotas linked to local production volumes, as well as strong enforcement against smuggling and mislabelling.
Another recommendation is the introduction of fiscal incentives to stimulate local investment. These include tax holidays for poultry agribusinesses, reduced import duties on key inputs such as feed ingredients and equipment, and concessional financing to make long-term investments viable.
Mr. Denteh noted that these steps would help level the playing field for domestic producers who face higher production costs compared to their foreign counterparts.
The plan also identifies access to affordable finance as a major hurdle for many poultry entrepreneurs, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and women- or youth-led agribusinesses.
It recommends the creation of tailored credit products, credit guarantees, and working capital facilities designed to support producers throughout the value chain.
Mr. Denteh suggested that it should be encouraged to collaborate with cooperatives and farmer groups to deliver accessible and appropriate financing.
Addressing land constraints is another area of focus. The Masterplan urges the government to streamline access to land for young agribusiness operators while investing in essential infrastructure, including hatcheries, feed mills, and cold storage facilities. Mr. Denteh said this will encourage large-scale production and reduce inefficiencies in the value chain.
He also emphasised the importance of biosecurity and quality standards enforcement to ensure both competitiveness and consumer safety.
He said the poultry sector must strictly regulate the use of antibiotics, invest in farmer training, and strengthen national systems to prevent and manage disease outbreaks.
Finally, the Masterplan recommends the formation of a unified poultry sector coordinating body to drive implementation and accountability. Mr. Denteh noted that fragmented efforts in the past have undermined sector progress.
A coordinated structure, he added, would monitor results, align government and private sector actions, and facilitate support from development partners.
“These recommendations are not new,” Mr. Denteh said. “What has been lacking is the political will and consistency to implement them. Ghana has the know-how and the entrepreneurial drive. We simply need to execute.”
He added that the plan includes the development of an investment prospectus to attract domestic and international capital, particularly in processing, cold storage, and feed production.
Despite growing consumer demand, more than 90% of chicken on the market is imported. Reviving the domestic poultry industry could reduce the country’s rising food import bill, create thousands of jobs, and drive rural industrialisation.
“Ghana cannot continue to outsource its food sovereignty,” Mr. Denteh said. “With a clear roadmap and commitment from all actors, we can build a poultry industry that feeds the nation and provides lasting economic opportunity.”
