The Ghana National Association of Poultry Farmers (GNAPF) is advocating for a $100 million infusion of capital to revitalize the industry.
According to the association, these funds would be allocated to the acquisition of modern technology and services, including hatchery, feed production, processing, and marketing.
Mr. Victor Oppong Adjei, President of GNAPF, made these remarks during an interview with the Ghana News Agency at a day-long event focused on optimizing the poultry value chain in Ghana.
Highlighting the sector’s significant contribution to the economy, Mr. Adjei emphasized the need for investment to bolster its potential.
The event, a pioneering initiative, was jointly organized by the Economic and Trade Mission in partnership with GNAPF.
It aimed to foster dialogue among stakeholders in the poultry industry to address issues of common interest and benefit.
The event, which was under the theme “Optimizing Ghana’s Poultry Value Chain by Exploring Israeli Poultry Solutions,” introduced participants to novel Israeli technologies that can improve chicken production in Ghana.
Mr. Adjei highlighted challenges encountered by the sector, including high feed costs, insufficient availability of day-old chicks, and limited infrastructure.
“Before the COVID fee cost was GHC 1500 but now it GHC 7,000. This is because prices of main ingredients have shot up, “he said.
Mr. Adjei advocated for government adoption of a policy either to raise tariffs on imported poultry products or to decrease the quantity allowed into the country.
“The imported chicken comes in large quantities in excess of 500 metric tonnes. The price is so low and if our local poultry is left to compete with the imported it will be disastrous. We are producing at a very high cost,” he said.
Madam Shlomit Sufa, Israel’s Ambassador to Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, described the advancement of Ghana’s poultry industry as a shining example of economic resilience.
“Through innovation, technology, and dedication, Israel has transformed its poultry sector into a global leader, contributing significantly to food security and economic growth. The industry stands as a testament to our nation’s capacity to turn challenges into opportunities, leveraging creativity and ingenuity to achieve success against all odds,” she said.
Madam Sufa highlighted the industry’s global standing, noting its position among the world’s top poultry producers and exporters. Specifically, she mentioned that it ranks among the top five egg producers worldwide and the sixth-largest chicken producer.
Israeli advancements, she emphasized, cover a wide range of areas, including breeding and genetics, precision farming techniques, biosecurity measures, renewable energy integration, and vertical integration and value chain development. These advancements collectively contribute to the remarkable efficiency of the poultry industry.
“As we look to the future, Israel remains committed to fostering partnerships and collaborations that promote shared progress,” she said.
In Ghana, poultry production holds considerable economic importance, representing around 14 percent of the agricultural gross domestic product. It plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and generating employment opportunities.
Furthermore, it serves as a vital source of income for many small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs across the country.