Accra:Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture John Dumelo has expressed concerns over the significant retail price increase of locally produced chicken, which he says is affecting its competitiveness against imported poultry products. He noted that while poultry farmers sell chicken at GH¢80, consumers are charged up to GH¢200.
According to Ghana Web, the 150 per cent price hike is partly due to the numerous intermediaries involved in the distribution chain from farms to consumers. Dumelo addressed the issue at the Ghana-Netherlands poultry round-table discussion on October 26, 2026, emphasizing the impact of these intermediaries on final consumer prices.
The Deputy Minister assured that the government is seriously addressing the poultry sector's challenges, aiming to make local chicken more affordable and reduce dependency on imports. He highlighted the importance of partnerships to enhance production capabilities.
In a step towards strengthening the sector, Dumelo signed a memorandum of understanding with Hans Akerboom, the Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana, to foster cooperation in poultry production. This agreement aims to provide technical assistance, share knowledge, and attract investments to boost local production.
The government is also advancing the Nkoko Nkitinkiti initiative as part of the Feed Ghana Programme, intended to increase poultry production, create jobs, and cut down on chicken imports. As of July 2026, around 2.5 million birds have been distributed under this program. The ultimate goal is a 50 per cent reduction in poultry imports, but the disparity between farm-gate and retail prices presents a challenge in achieving more affordable local chicken for consumers.