The poultry industry in Ghana is a vital component of the nation’s agricultural sector, contributing significantly to food security, employment, and rural development. However, the industry is beleaguered by a myriad of challenges that hinder its potential for growth and competitiveness. Key issues include the high cost of feed driven by maize price volatility and unfavorable weather conditions, the prevalence of diseases such as highly pathogenic avian influenza, and inadequate access to quality day-old chicks due to unregulated hatcheries. Additionally, poor biosecurity systems, a lack of modern processing equipment, limited access to financing, and insufficient marketing infrastructure exacerbate the industry’s struggles. The influx of cheaper, imported poultry products further undercuts local producers, while systemic challenges such as unreliable electricity, inefficient production systems, and weak policy enforcement compound the problem. This white paper explores these critical issues and offers actionable solutions to revitalize Ghana's poultry sector and unlock its vast potential.
Currently, GECF is assembling a detailed study that looks at the poultry sector in Ghana, particularly addressing the content of a report titled: “Bottlenecks and Prospects of Poultry Production” published in the Open Journal of Business and Management.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) in Ghana is responsible for commercial poultry. The MOFA's Animal Production Directorate (APD) and Veterinary Services Directorate (VSD) oversee the poultry industry.
Here are breakdowns of the individual challenges with commercial poultry production in Ghana that we are looking at, including:
Disease: Diseases like highly pathogenic avian influenza can threaten the industry.
Feed costs: The cost of feed is high due to factors like the price of maize, low rainfall, and the cost of importing maize.
To increase the amount of maize cultivated in Ghana despite reduced rainfall, farmers can implement strategies like adopting drought-resistant maize varieties, utilizing irrigation systems where possible, improving soil moisture retention through mulching and organic matter addition, optimizing planting dates, and implementing water harvesting techniques to capture and store rainwater during rainy periods; all while considering regional variations in climate and access to resources within Ghana.
Lack of processing equipment: There is a lack of poultry processing equipment and cold chain facilities.
Poor quality day-old chicks: Local hatcheries are poor quality and there are no regulations to regulate them.
Inadequate biosecurity systems: There are inadequate biosecurity systems in place.
Competition from imported poultry products: Imported poultry products are cheaper and more convenient than locally produced products.
Lack of policy: There is a lack of policy and enforcement of biosecurity.
Financing: Poultry farmers have difficulty accessing credit.
Marketing: Marketing has been a major constraint.
Lack of electricity: Many farms lack electricity.
Other challenges include: Input price increases, Inefficient production systems, Abuse of antibiotics, Poor linkages between input suppliers and marketers, and Intermittent shutdowns.
To help Ghana become a global leader in the poultry industry, the Global Economic and Cultural Federation (GECF) will prioritize the following actions:
1. Strengthen Local Production Systems and Value Chains
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Support the development of integrated value chains by providing access to affordable, high-quality inputs such as feed, day-old chicks, and veterinary services.
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Establish and promote regional poultry hubs with modern hatcheries, feed mills, and processing plants to enhance production efficiency and product quality.
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2. Invest in Biosecurity and Disease Management
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Advocate for and fund the implementation of robust biosecurity systems across poultry farms, including training for farmers on disease prevention and control.
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Collaborate with local and international agencies to create early-warning systems for outbreaks like avian influenza.
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3. Develop Competitive Policies and Market Access
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Work with the Ghanaian government to enforce regulations that ensure the quality of hatchery operations and the equitable competition between local and imported poultry products.
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Promote export-oriented policies that support the penetration of Ghanaian poultry products into international markets, emphasizing unique, organic, or niche product offerings.
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4. Facilitate Access to Financing and Technology
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Champion the establishment of credit facilities and funding mechanisms to provide poultry farmers with affordable loans for infrastructure upgrades and working capital.
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Encourage the adoption of modern farming technologies, such as automated feeding systems and climate-controlled housing, to boost productivity and reduce costs.
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5. Enhance Workforce Development and Research
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Partner with local educational institutions to create training programs that equip farmers and workers with technical, managerial, and marketing skills.
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Support research initiatives to develop locally adapted poultry breeds, improve feed efficiency, and explore sustainable farming practices.
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By implementing these targeted actions, the GECF can position Ghana’s poultry sector to compete on a global scale while driving sustainable economic growth and improving food security in the region.
There is no “Quick Fix” to an issue of this scale, so it will take additional research and time to determine the scope of the current conditions and then, once that is done, we can begin disseminating corrections in order to scale up the poultry industry in Ghana from where they are to a more world-class operation. The good news is that the process is underway, so let’s fix this together!
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Contact Information
For inquiries and investment discussions, please contact:
• Name: Dr. “Do Gun” Harry Hwang
• Email: dgh@gevglobal.org
• Contact: www.drharryhwang.org/contact
