Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture John Dumelo has blamed middlemen for the high prices of locally produced chicken, arguing that their mark-ups make Ghanaian poultry more expensive for consumers than imported alternatives.

According to Dumelo, some middlemen buy chicken from local farmers for about GH¢80 and resell it to consumers for as much as GH¢200.

The price difference, he said, raises concerns about how locally produced chicken is distributed and priced before it reaches consumers.

His comments have renewed attention on the challenges facing Ghana’s poultry industry, particularly the difficulty local producers face in competing with imported chicken on price.

Middlemen and the Cost of Local Chicken

Dumelo’s concern centres on the gap between the prices farmers receive and the amounts consumers eventually pay.

Based on the figures he cited, a chicken purchased from a farmer for GH¢80 could be sold for GH¢200, representing a difference of GH¢120.

That is a 150 per cent increase over the farm-gate price, although the difference alone does not establish the middleman’s actual profit because transport, storage, handling and other costs may also apply.

The Deputy Agriculture Minister’s remarks point to the need for closer examination of the poultry supply chain to understand how prices are determined and where costs can be reduced.

For farmers, better access to markets could help them secure fair returns for their produce. For consumers, a more efficient distribution system could make locally produced chicken more affordable.

Local Poultry Faces Competition from Imports

Ghana’s poultry industry has long faced competition from imported chicken, with price being one of the factors consumers consider when making purchasing decisions.

When locally produced chicken costs more, some consumers may choose imported alternatives that fit their budgets.

This creates a challenge for local farmers seeking to expand production and secure a larger share of the domestic market.

Making local chicken more affordable could help encourage consumers to buy Ghanaian poultry, but addressing the price gap may require improvements across the entire supply chain.

What Can Be Done to Reduce Prices?

Dumelo’s comments raise questions about how farmers can connect more directly with retailers, restaurants, hotels and households.

Stronger links between poultry farmers and buyers could reduce unnecessary distribution costs and improve transparency in pricing.

Investment in cold storage, transportation and processing facilities could also help reduce losses and improve the movement of locally produced chicken from farms to markets.

At the same time, farmers need access to affordable feed, reliable production systems and suitable financing to keep their businesses competitive.

Reducing the final price of local chicken will therefore require attention to both farm production costs and the distribution system.

A Challenge for Ghana’s Poultry Industry

The figures cited by Dumelo highlight a concern for Ghana’s poultry sector: farmers may receive considerably less than the amount consumers eventually pay.

However, the actual reasons for the price difference need to be assessed across the supply chain, including production, transportation, storage, processing and retail costs.

Improving the competitiveness of locally produced chicken could benefit farmers, businesses and consumers while supporting Ghana’s domestic agricultural industry.

The key question is whether practical measures can narrow the price gap and make locally produced chicken a more affordable option for Ghanaian households.

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