The Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association anticipates that poultry prices will rise by at least 15 percent ahead of the Christmas season, attributing the increase to escalating costs of animal feed and imported production materials. Mohammed Ali, the Association’s Chief Executive, highlighted that higher prices for maize, soya, and other feed components, along with increased freight costs, are raising production expenses for poultry farmers.
Speaking to Joy Business during a World Egg Day outreach in Dansoman schools, Ali cautioned that consumers should prepare for price adjustments by Christmas. “We’re likely to see no less than a 15 percent increase,” he stated. Ali further explained that many key feed ingredients are imported, making local farmers vulnerable to international price fluctuations and rising shipping costs. He urged government intervention to reduce feed input costs by boosting local production of maize and soya. “If we can achieve local abundance, feed prices will drop. Otherwise, there’s little we can do about poultry feed prices,” he noted.
The association is also advocating for measures to address significant price differences between poultry farmers and retailers, particularly in the egg market. According to Ali, the gap between farm-gate and retail prices is too wide, with some traders reportedly adding up to GH¢20 per crate. He disclosed that farm-gate prices currently range from GH¢40 to GH¢45, arguing that retail prices should not exceed GH¢50. “Eggs shouldn’t sell for more than 50 cedis, period,” he insisted.
Additionally, Ali called on the Ministry of Trade and Agribusiness to implement policies that would instill greater discipline in the market and curb practices that keep egg prices high. Regarding World Egg Day, Ali said the Association visited five school clusters in Dansoman to educate pupils on the nutritional benefits of eggs. The initiative is designed to encourage children to include eggs in their daily diets. “Eggs provide essential proteins that children from birth to about eight years old need. We want to make egg consumption a daily habit,” he said.
He added that the Association distributed more than 100,000 eggs to schools as part of the event, emphasizing that early education can foster healthy eating habits among children.
Ali also recommended expanding the Nkokor Nkitinkiti initiative to enhance its impact and deliver greater benefits to local poultry farmers, especially larger-scale producers who significantly influence market supply and prices.
