The Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association (GAPFA) has attributed the worsening egg glut in Ghana to the pursuit of higher profit margins and inflexible retail pricing practices, warning that these trends are slowing sales and increasing losses across the value chain.
The Association said although farm-gate prices for eggs have declined in recent weeks, many traders have maintained relatively high retail prices, discouraging consumers and leading to spoilage of unsold stock.
In an interview, Mr Ali Mohammed, Chief Executive Officer of GAPFA, explained that the situation, which had shown signs of easing earlier in the year, had deteriorated again due to pricing distortions in the market.
“Farm-gate prices are currently between GH¢45 and GH¢50 per crate, yet eggs are still being sold for GH¢65 to GH¢70 in some markets. That gap is too wide and it affects demand,” he said.
He stressed that eggs are highly perishable and require quick turnover, especially during periods of low demand.
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“At a time when consumption is down, prices must be adjusted to encourage sales. Eggs cannot be stored for long without the right facilities, so holding onto high prices only worsens the situation,” he added.
Mr Mohammed also pointed to informal pricing arrangements among some traders, which he said restrict competition and prevent price adjustments that could help clear excess supply.
“In some cases, traders are not allowed to sell below an agreed price, even if they are willing to. That limits flexibility in the market. Basic economics tells us that moderate pricing drives higher demand,” he said.
Beyond pricing challenges, the Association noted that declining local consumption and reduced export opportunities have further compounded the glut, placing significant financial strain on poultry farmers.
Describing the impact as severe, Mr Mohammed called for urgent policy interventions to stabilise the market and support producers.
He proposed the inclusion of eggs in national feeding programmes as a practical way to absorb excess supply and improve nutrition outcomes.
“If government adopts an ‘egg a day’ policy for schoolchildren, it could significantly reduce the surplus while supporting child nutrition,” he suggested.
The Association also urged government institutions to procure eggs under a buffer stock system for distribution to schools, hospitals, and other public facilities. It further called for clearer regulatory guidelines to ensure more transparent and competitive pricing practices across the market.
As an immediate response to boost demand, GAPFA said it is partnering with a local media organisation to organise a May Day market activation, where eggs will be sold at reduced prices to encourage consumption.
Ghana’s poultry industry has been grappling with an oversupply of eggs in recent months, resulting in mounting losses for farmers and traders as unsold eggs spoil.
Demand has weakened in major urban centres, leaving many retailers with excess stock and limited turnover.
The situation has also been aggravated by external trade challenges, including restrictions in a key neighbouring export market, which has reduced cross-border sales opportunities.
Industry observers further cite the mismatch between declining farm-gate prices and persistently high retail prices, along with inadequate cold storage infrastructure, as major factors intensifying the glut.
