Importing Poultry Cheaper Than Production in Ghana – Agric Minister

Bryan Acheampong, the Agric Minister, has highlighted a significant obstacle: importing poultry is cheaper than setting up one in Ghana.

This disparity not only affects the livelihoods of local farmers but also raises concerns about the health implications of the imported poultry consumed by Ghanaians.

During a discussion on the GTV breakfast show, Acheampong pointed out the stark difference in production capacities and the preferences that result from it.

He noted, “Poultry production in Ghana is at 15,000 metric tons, while our consumption stands at 324,000 metric tons.”

This discrepancy clearly illustrates that local production meets only about 5% of the country’s poultry needs, pushing the majority towards reliance on imports.

One of the core issues highlighted was the struggle faced by small poultry farms in Ghana.

These local entities often find themselves unable to afford the necessary upgrades to their infrastructure, which would enable them to increase production and thus reduce costs.

Without the ability to compete on price, these farms are left at a significant disadvantage compared to the cheaper, imported alternatives.

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However, Acheampong was keen to stress an often-overlooked aspect of this dilemma: the health implications of imported poultry.

He remarked that imported chickens often contain chemicals, which are not present in locally produced poultry, making the latter a healthier choice.

Despite this, the high cost of local poultry drives consumers towards the less expensive imported options, inadvertently exposing them to potential health risks.

The preference for imported poultry has a domino effect on the local industry, leading to a decline in domestic poultry farming.

This not only impacts the economy by increasing dependency on imports but also jeopardizes the health of the nation and the financial stability of local farmers.

In concluding his remarks, Acheampong hinted at a silver lining. “However, we now have the tools to address these challenges,” he stated, suggesting that measures are being put in place to tackle the issues plaguing the poultry industry in Ghana.

While he did not delve into specifics, this assertion offers a glimmer of hope for the future of poultry production in the country.

The situation underscores a critical need for policies that support local farmers, perhaps through subsidies or investments in modern farming technologies, to make local poultry production more competitive.

Such measures would not only bolster the local economy but also ensure that Ghanaians have access to healthier food options.

As the government navigates these complex challenges, the focus must remain on creating a sustainable balance between supporting local industries and meeting the nutritional needs of the population.

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