The price of imported chicken in Ghana continues to rise, leaving sellers and consumers in distress. Kofi Ababio, a seller at Kaneshie Market, expressed his frustration to the High Street Journal about the frequent price hikes. According to Ababio, just three months ago, a kilo of imported chicken cost GH₵ 35. Today, it has climbed to GH₵42 per kilo, forcing traders to adjust their prices almost daily. “I used to sell a kilo for GH₵40 yesterday, but today I’ve had to increase it to GH₵ 42 due to another price hike,” he lamented.
The rising cost of imported chicken has stimulated concern across various markets, with sellers struggling to keep up with the ever-changing prices. Many traders say the fluctuations are unpredictable, making it difficult for them to plan ahead.
“Every day brings a new challenge,” Ababio added. “If things continue like this, we don’t know how long we’ll be able to stay in business.” The impact of these increases is not only felt by traders but also by consumers, many of whom are now cutting back on chicken purchases due to affordability concerns.
Market analysts attribute the price surge to several factors, including the depreciation of the cedi and increased global transportation costs. The weakened local currency has made imports more expensive, especially for goods like frozen chicken, which are highly dependent on international supply chains. Coupled with rising fuel prices, the cost of getting products into the country has skyrocketed.
Traders in other markets across Accra and beyond have shared similar concerns. At the Makola Market, sellers reported that prices are increasing on a daily basis. Many are now calling on the government to step in and regulate the market or introduce measures to stabilize the cedi, which could help mitigate the current challenges. Without intervention, traders fear that both their businesses and the livelihoods of their customers will suffer greatly.
The poultry industry in Ghana has also been affected by the situation. While the price increases might seem like an opportunity for local producers, the story is even worst at that side as many of these farmers still struggle with production costs that remain high due to the soaring prices of feed and other inputs. As a result, local poultry prices have also seen higher increases, as compared to imports. A live chicken currently costs GH₵ 120 in many parts of Accra.
The government, though aware of the issue, has yet to outline a concrete plan to address these price hikes. As sellers and consumers brace for further increases ahead of the festive period, the future of Ghana’s imported chicken market remains uncertain, leaving both sides of the trade in a constant state of unease.
