Exhibitors at this year’s National Poultry Day have described the event as a strategic platform for promoting local poultry production and supporting Ghana’s efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported poultry products.
The exhibitors said the programme was helping poultry businesses expand market access, showcase locally produced goods and services, and build partnerships that could boost domestic production and improve the sector’s competitiveness.
National Poultry Day, an initiative of Agrihouse Foundation and stakeholders across the poultry value chain, was instituted to encourage the consumption of locally produced poultry, create market opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses, and highlight the industry’s role in food security, employment and economic growth.
Industry players at the event noted that strengthening local poultry production remains critical to reducing Ghana’s import bill, retaining value within the economy and creating jobs across the poultry value chain.
Mr Atakwe Okine, Customer Insight Officer at Premier Poultry, said the event had provided the company with an opportunity to increase awareness of its products and engage stakeholders on measures needed to expand poultry production in the country.
He said Premier Poultry, which specialises in hatching and distributing day-old chicks, serves customers across all 16 regions and considers the initiative an important platform for supporting growth in the poultry sector.
According to him, increasing awareness of poultry farming opportunities and improving access to quality inputs would help strengthen local production and reduce dependence on imported poultry products.
Mr Okine, however, noted that attendance at this year’s event was lower than expected due to rainfall and flooding in parts of Accra, as well as the timing of the programme.
He suggested that future editions be held on public holidays to attract larger crowds and increase public participation.
Ms Andrea Akl, Deputy General Manager of Qualiplast Limited, said the company’s sponsorship of the event reflected its commitment to supporting local poultry businesses and promoting locally manufactured products.
She stressed that increasing domestic poultry production was essential to improving food security and reducing Ghana’s reliance on imported chicken.
Ms Akl noted that the event had enabled Qualiplast to showcase its locally manufactured plastic packaging products designed for poultry businesses, while also creating awareness among farmers about the availability of locally produced inputs.
“We are here to support the farmers and show them that we also manufacture products for the poultry industry locally,” she said.
She added that feedback from existing customers had been positive and that the programme had created opportunities to establish new business relationships within the industry.
Ms Abigail Osei, a poultry farmer based at Sawmill in Amasaman, said exhibitions such as National Poultry Day played an important role in promoting local poultry enterprises and connecting producers with consumers and potential business partners.
She said sustained support for local poultry farmers through market promotion, awareness creation and industry collaboration would be key to expanding domestic production and reducing imports.
Ms Osei also commended the organisers for their effective communication and coordination ahead of the event, describing the programme as a valuable initiative for advancing Ghana’s poultry industry.
Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that greater public support for locally produced poultry, coupled with stronger investment across the value chain, could help Ghana reduce its dependence on imported poultry products while creating jobs and stimulating growth in the agricultural sector.
