The Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference (GITFIC) has taken a bold step into poultry production as part of its commitment to reducing Ghana’s heavy reliance on imported poultry products. With an investment exceeding GHC 827,000, GITFIC has launched a full-scale poultry project aimed at producing both eggs and chicken meat. The project also includes housing and residential facilities, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to agricultural investment. This initiative aligns with Ghana’s broader goals of self-sufficiency in food production and economic resilience.
Located on a five-acre land in the Eastern Region, the poultry farm currently has the capacity to produce 5,000 eggs daily during peak periods, addressing domestic shortages. With plans to scale up operations to house 30,000 birds in the coming months, the project is poised to make a significant impact on Ghana’s poultry industry. At the end of the birds’ laying cycles, the chickens will be processed into a canned chicken sauce. This value-added product is intended to serve both domestic and international markets, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), thereby creating new revenue streams for the country.
A statement from Mr. Selasi Koffi Ackom, CEO of GITFIC, highlighted the project’s strategic importance and bankable potential. The initiative is managed and supervised by an animal production expert with over 30 years of experience from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. This partnership ensures that the farm operates efficiently and adheres to best practices in poultry management. The statement also revealed that negotiations for a specialized processing plant have been finalized, and construction is slated to begin in March 2025. This factory will play a pivotal role in processing poultry meat into market-ready products, further boosting the project’s economic viability.
The project’s revenue generation is expected to sustain and expand GITFIC’s operations, which have evolved from a national entity into a global organization. GITFIC’s growing portfolio includes initiatives such as the Global Debt Initiative, focusing on debt management, sustainability, and cancellation. With diminishing donor support posing a threat to its operations, GITFIC views its investment in poultry as a vital step toward increasing internally generated funds and ensuring long-term sustainability.
In addition to its strides in poultry production, GITFIC continues to make significant contributions to international trade and economic development. Recently, Mr. Ackom represented Ghana at the United Nations Economic Community for Africa’s High-Level Intergovernmental Committee Meeting in Rabat, Morocco. As a special guest and resource person, he engaged in bilateral discussions with senior Moroccan officials to enhance trade relations between Ghana and Morocco. At Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce, he introduced GITFIC’s AfCFTA implementation support programs, including the AfCFTA Tertiary Students Club and the forthcoming AfCFTA Curriculum for African tertiary institutions.
The Moroccan officials expressed keen interest in forming a committee to identify mutually beneficial trade commodities under the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative. GITFIC has reported this development to Ghana’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI), and plans are underway to establish a joint committee chaired by GITFIC. Furthermore, Mr. Ackom held discussions with Morocco’s Ministry of Economy and Finance regarding GITFIC’s Global Debt Initiative. Morocco was invited to join the initiative and host the second meeting in Rabat next year, a proposal that received enthusiastic support
By diversifying into poultry production and fostering international collaborations, GITFIC is demonstrating a visionary approach to addressing Ghana’s economic challenges. The organization’s efforts not only aim to reduce import dependence but also to position Ghana as a leader in regional trade and economic innovation. This dual focus on local production and global engagement underscores GITFIC’s commitment to sustainable development and economic transformation.
