Middlemen Turn Local Chicken into Luxury as Prices Hit GH¢200 – Dumelo

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, John Dumelo, has raised concerns over the high cost of locally produced chicken in Ghana, blaming middlemen for inflating prices and making domestic poultry products less competitive than imported alternatives.

According to him, middlemen purchase locally raised chickens from farmers at approximately GH¢80 but resell them to consumers for as much as GH¢200, creating a significant price difference that threatens the competitiveness of Ghana’s poultry industry.

Mr Dumelo’s comments have drawn attention to the challenges facing local poultry farmers, particularly as the government seeks to strengthen domestic agricultural production, reduce dependence on imported food products and create sustainable opportunities for farmers.

He argued that the substantial increase in prices between the farm gate and the final consumer raises questions about the distribution chain and the factors contributing to the high cost of locally produced chicken.

Middlemen make local chicken more expensive than imports. They buy from farmers at GH¢80 and sell to consumers for GH¢200, Mr Dumelo stated.

The difference of GH¢120 between the reported farm-gate and retail prices highlights the financial burden consumers face when purchasing locally produced poultry.

The situation also presents a challenge for local farmers, who may struggle to expand production if their products become less attractive to consumers because of high retail prices.

Imported chicken has become a major competitor in Ghana’s poultry market, with affordability often influencing purchasing decisions among households, restaurants and food vendors.

When locally raised chicken costs significantly more than imported alternatives, consumers may choose cheaper imported products, potentially undermining efforts to promote domestic poultry production.

Mr Dumelo’s remarks therefore underscore the need to examine how poultry products move from farms to markets and whether the existing distribution system allows farmers and consumers to benefit fairly from the trade.

Addressing the problem could require improved market linkages, stronger cooperation between farmers and retailers, and measures to reduce unnecessary costs along the supply chain.

However, any response would need to consider legitimate expenses incurred by traders, including transportation, storage, handling and other operational costs.

The broader concern is how Ghana can make locally produced chicken affordable without undermining the livelihoods of poultry farmers and other legitimate participants in the industry.

Mr Dumelo’s disclosure has renewed attention on the need to make domestic poultry more competitive, particularly as Ghana continues to pursue agricultural development and greater food security.

Ultimately, reducing the price gap between farm-gate and retail markets could help consumers access affordable local chicken while creating a more sustainable market for Ghanaian poultry producers.