Cheap Chicken Imports Stir Feathers as Ghana’s Poultry Sector Fights for Survival

As Ghana steps up its drive for food self-sufficiency, a flood of low-cost imported chicken threatens to undercut local poultry farmers and derail years of agricultural investment. Industry stakeholders warn that the price disparity between imported and domestically produced chicken is squeezing local producers out of the market, raising concerns about food security, job losses, and rural livelihoods. With government subsidies and protectionist policies still lagging, experts argue that without urgent intervention, Ghana’s poultry dreams could be left dead in the nest.

Ghana’s renewed effort to boost local poultry production faces a significant test as global market dynamics shift in favor of cheaper imports. The World Bank projects a 4% decline in global chicken prices in 2025, followed by a further 1% decrease in 2026. This anticipated dip is attributed to a gradual recovery in production, particularly in the second half of the year, following disruptions caused by avian flu.

This downward trend in international prices could have substantial implications for Ghana, a country that continues to rely heavily on poultry imports to meet domestic demand. Despite numerous policy initiatives and development programs over the years, more than 90% of chicken consumed in Ghana is still imported, primarily from the European Union, the United States, and Brazil, at prices local producers struggle to match.

In an attempt to reverse this trend, the Ghanaian government recently launched the Nkoko Nketenkete project, a strategic intervention under the second phase of the Planting for Food and Jobs program. The initiative targets 55,000 households, equipping them with inputs and training to raise poultry for domestic consumption and economic empowerment. The objective is clear: reduce the nation’s poultry import bill, create jobs, and enhance food self-sufficiency.

However, the timing of this intervention raises questions about its long-term viability. The anticipated fall in global chicken prices is likely to increase the influx of cheaper frozen chicken into the Ghanaian market. For a domestic poultry sector already burdened by high input costs, inadequate infrastructure, and inconsistent policy support, this added external pressure could prove overwhelming.

The Economics of Poultry Production in Ghana

Imported chicken often arrives pre-processed, subsidized in the country of origin, and benefits from more advanced cold-chain logistics. Local producers, on the other hand, grapple with high feed costs, limited access to veterinary services, and post-production inefficiencies. Even with government support, the cost per kilogram of locally produced chicken remains significantly higher than its imported equivalent. In an economy where purchasing power is low and food inflation remains a pressing issue, price continues to be a deciding factor for the average consumer.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Ghana’s chicken meat imports for the marketing year 2024 are forecasted at 270,000 metric tons, unchanged from the previous year. Despite earlier government support, domestic broiler production still accounts for less than 5% of total chicken meat production.

The Nkoko Nketenkete project promises to address longstanding barriers such as high feed costs, lack of veterinary services, and weak cold-chain infrastructure. However, for local producers to thrive, they’ll need more than just policy announcements, they’ll need real market protection and consumer buy-in.

Without targeted import controls, strategic subsidies, or local subsidies to level the playing field, the competitive edge will remain firmly with foreign producers. This could dampen the momentum of local projects like Nkoko Nketenkete, stalling progress just as it begins.

Yet, the stakes are too high to ignore. Poultry farming holds the potential to transform Ghana’s agricultural economy by creating rural jobs, reducing import dependency, and improving food security. But for this transformation to take root, the government must adopt a more integrated approach, combining production support with market protections, consumer awareness campaigns, and long-term infrastructure investments.

In the face of declining global chicken prices, Ghana’s poultry dream hangs in a delicate balance.

Last Updated on May 9, 2025 by samboad