Agrihouse Foundation marks 6th Ghana poultry day, calls for greater support for local poultry industry

The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, has called for renewed commitment to Ghana’s poultry sector, urging Ghanaians to support local poultry production and encourage more young people to venture into poultry farming.

Speaking at the celebration of the 6th edition of Ghana Poultry Day on 1st July 2026 at the forecourt of State House, Accra; Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa acknowledged the country’s heavy dependence on imported poultry products, however, she said stronger collective action is needed to promote locally produced chicken and reduce imports.

She stressed that promoting the poultry industry requires a change in mindset and greater public participation, noting that many households in the past kept chickens in their backyards alongside vegetable gardens. According to her, reviving that culture can help improve food security, create jobs, and strengthen the local economy.

“If we are not immediately able to eliminate poultry imports, our efforts should at least contribute to reducing them while increasing local production,” she said.

As part of the celebration, 13 chefs consisting of Queenmothers, students, agricultural experts and other stakeholders prepared a variety of chicken-based meals to demonstrate the versatility and quality of locally produced poultry and served free of charge to attendees as part of efforts to promote the consumption of Ghanaian chicken.

She also disclosed that the Foundation would distribute 1,000 day-old chicks to individuals interested in starting backyard poultry farming, describing the initiative as a practical step toward increasing local poultry production.

President and head of the Chefs Association of Ghana, Chef Michael Quainoo, called on the government to provide greater support for local poultry farmers to make Ghanaian chicken more affordable and competitive.

Speaking at the event said government intervention is needed to subsidise poultry production, improve processing, packaging, storage and food safety standards to help locally produced chicken compete with imported frozen poultry.

The chefs noted that although many Ghanaians consume chicken, the higher cost of local poultry often drives consumers to imported products. They stressed that better pricing, value addition and proper packaging would boost consumer confidence and increase demand for Ghanaian chicken.

The Association also urged Ghanaians to support local poultry producers by choosing locally produced chicken, emphasising that increased consumption would strengthen the economy and create more opportunities across the poultry value chain.

Participants pledged their support for the growth of Ghana’s poultry industry and the advocacy efforts of the 6th Ghana Poultry Day.

Speaking during the event, they described the initiative as an important one that brings pride and hope to the sector, reaffirming their commitment to supporting activities aimed at promoting local poultry production.

The event also featured a free chicken barbecue, exhibitions by more than 35 agribusinesses, panel discussions involving students and other institutions, as well as stakeholders across the agricultural value chain who discussed strategies for strengthening Ghana’s poultry industry.