Ghana’s poultry industry is set for a major revival as the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) unveils a robust Poultry Intensification Scheme designed to expand broiler production and sharply reduce reliance on imported chicken. Backed by more than US$12 million under the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP), the initiative underscores the government’s renewed commitment to strengthening food security, boosting employment, and modernizing the poultry value chain.
At the heart of the programme is targeted support for commercial broiler farmers, equipping them with resources, technical expertise, and modern production systems to scale up operations sustainably. In its initial phase, MoFA is collaborating with 22 anchor farmers across six regions—Ashanti, Bono, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, and Volta. Together with their out-grower networks, these farmers are expected to produce approximately two million broiler birds annually over the next three years, significantly reducing the current supply deficit filled by imports.
A standout component of the scheme is the interest-free input credit facility, which provides farmers with essential production inputs such as day-old chicks, high-quality feed, and a full complement of poultry vaccines. Beneficiaries also receive training in modern poultry production techniques, including climate-smart husbandry, advanced feeding methods, and enhanced biosecurity. These interventions are designed to increase productivity, minimise losses, and improve the resilience of farm operations.
To strengthen the broader value chain, MoFA has introduced matching grants that enable farmers to invest in vital processing infrastructure such as cold storage, packaging, and processing equipment. This integrated approach ensures that farmers can progress from primary production to value addition, unlocking better market opportunities and increasing profitability.
Early results from the programme have been encouraging. Farmers have already received hundreds of thousands of day-old chicks, over a million kilograms of feed, and large quantities of vaccines. These inputs have supported the production of nearly half a million broiler birds within just a few months—evidence of both farmer readiness and the effectiveness of the support mechanisms in place.
To maintain high standards, a dedicated monitoring team—comprising veterinary officers, animal production experts, and FSRP specialists—conducts regular farm visits. Their assessments focus on biosecurity, feed quality, vaccination regimes, and overall farm management. This continuous oversight helps ensure consistency, reduce disease risks, and guarantee that poultry raised under the scheme meets national health and safety benchmarks.
Looking ahead, MoFA aims to build a competitive and self-sustaining poultry industry capable of meeting national demand and eventually generating surplus production. The ministry has set its sights on producing more than 400,000 metric tonnes of broiler meat by 2028. Achieving this milestone would significantly enhance food security, cut foreign exchange expenditure on imports, and create substantial employment opportunities across the poultry sector.
With strategic investment, farmer-focused support, and an integrated value chain model, Ghana’s Poultry Intensification Scheme is laying the foundation for a resilient, modern, and self-reliant broiler industry that will drive national development for years to come.
