Poultry farmers in Ghana are warning that prices of chicken and other poultry products could increase by at least 15 per cent ahead of the Christmas festivities, raising concerns about the cost of food for households during the festive season.
The Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association says the expected increase is due to rising production costs, particularly the high prices of maize, soya and other ingredients used in preparing poultry feed.
According to the Chief Executive of the Association, Mohammed Ali, higher freight charges and the country’s dependence on imported feed ingredients are also putting pressure on local poultry farmers.
Speaking to Joy Business during a school outreach programme in Dansoman to mark World Egg Day, Mr Ali said consumers should prepare for possible price adjustments before Christmas.
He explained that the cost of producing poultry continues to rise because farmers depend heavily on imported materials, making them vulnerable to changes in international prices and transportation costs.
Mr Ali has therefore called on the government to support local production of maize and soya to help reduce the cost of poultry feed and make chicken and eggs more affordable for consumers.
The association has also raised concerns about the difference between the prices farmers receive and the prices consumers pay at retail outlets, particularly for eggs.
Mr Ali said some traders add significant amounts to the farm-gate price, making eggs more expensive for consumers. He has urged the Ministry of Trade and Agribusiness to introduce measures to address the price differences and promote fairness in the market.
Meanwhile, the association is encouraging greater consumption of eggs, highlighting their nutritional benefits for children. As part of its World Egg Day activities, it reportedly distributed more than 100,000 eggs to schools across five clusters in Dansoman.
With Christmas approaching, the expected increase in poultry prices could put additional pressure on household budgets, especially for families that depend on chicken and eggs for their festive meals.
The call for stronger support for local poultry production has renewed attention to the need to reduce production costs, strengthen the domestic poultry industry, and improve the affordability of poultry products in Ghana.
