In a strategic move to reduce Ghana’s heavy reliance on imported poultry products, the Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference (GITFIC) has invested over GHC827,000 (€54,000) into poultry meat and egg production over the past year. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering local agriculture and improving food security.
The project has been meticulously managed and supervised by an experienced animal production expert with over 30 years of service at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. This level of expertise ensures that the initiative adheres to best practices and achieves optimal results. To further strengthen its impact, GITFIC has also initiated negotiations for a processing plant, with construction of the factory expected to commence in March 2025. This facility will play a pivotal role in scaling up operations and ensuring value addition within the poultry sector.
The multi-proposed agro-processing facility now occupies a 5-acre plot of land in Ghana’s east. By generating 5,000 eggs every day during peak times, it has already made great strides. This level of production lessens the nation’s reliance on imports while simultaneously addressing domestic egg shortages. In the upcoming months, the project’s ambitious ambitions call for scaling up to 30,000 birds, which will increase local manufacturing capacity even more.
The project’s emphasis on sustainability and value creation is a defining characteristic. At the end of their laying cycles, the hens are processed into canned chicken sauce. This product is intended to serve both domestic and foreign markets, particularly the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By targeting regional and worldwide markets, the project has the potential to generate new cash for Ghana while also improving the country’s poultry industry competitiveness.
The investment and the results it produces are in line with Ghana’s overarching objective of being self-sufficient in its food production. The program supports rural development, job creation, and economic growth by emphasizing domestic output and lowering reliance on imports. Because it encourages the growth of value chains within the agricultural sector, the project’s focus on agro-processing also aids in industrialization initiatives.
Additionally, it is anticipated that the planned building of a processing factory will significantly alter the local economy. In addition to creating direct job opportunities, it will support the development of related businesses and services including marketing, packaging, and shipping. It is projected that this knock-on impact will improve local communities and promote sustainable development in the area.
For Ghana’s agriculture industry, GITFIC’s investment in the production of poultry meat and eggs is a major advancement. Utilizing local knowledge, emphasizing value addition, and aiming for both internal and foreign markets, the project is ideally positioned to tackle issues related to food security and strengthen the nation’s economic stability. As the project grows and the processing factory starts up, Ghana’s poultry sector will have a competitive advantage, opening the door to a more independent and successful future.
