80% poultry import dependence highlights need to grow local production – Netherlands Ambassador

During a recent round-table discussion on Ghana's poultry industry in Accra, Ambassador Hans Akerboom of the Netherlands raised concerns over the country's heavy reliance on imported poultry. According to him, Ghana currently imports approximately 80% of its poultry, despite a robust domestic demand. This situation presents a significant opportunity for Ghana to bolster local production, generate employment, and enhance the livelihoods of poultry farmers and businesses.

Akerboom pointed out that Ghana imported poultry worth about €18 million from the Netherlands alone in 2024. He also noted that the country imports poultry from other nations, including Belgium, the United States, and Brazil, further emphasizing its dependency on foreign supplies. While acknowledging the worrying figures, the Ambassador stressed that this situation also highlighted the potential for Ghana to build a more competitive domestic poultry industry.

He emphasized that reducing imports is not merely about cutting costs, but about creating an enabling environment for Ghanaian farmers to thrive, supply the market consistently, and benefit from the already existing demand. Chicken remains a popular source of protein for many Ghanaian households, presenting a ready market for local farmers and businesses.

However, Akerboom stressed that meeting this demand would necessitate stronger collaboration between the government, private sector, financial institutions, and knowledge institutions.

The Netherlands, he said, is ready to support Ghana's endeavors to expand domestic poultry production through the exchange of technical knowledge, innovation, and investment. He cited a recent visit by a Ghanaian delegation to the Netherlands, where officials explored opportunities to leverage Dutch expertise and investment to bolster the development of Ghana's poultry industry.

According to Akerboom, the Netherlands' poultry sector has flourished through sustained investment in knowledge, innovation, and collaboration, lessons he believes could be adapted to Ghana's specific needs.

He further noted that the proposed interventions align with the government's Feed Ghana program and the 24-hour economy initiative, which could help strengthen agricultural production and foster sustainable businesses.