Ghana prepares national poultry master plan as marine aquaculture project takes Shape
Authorities are drafting a roadmap to revive domestic poultry production while advancing the country’s first commercial marine aquaculture venture.
GHANA – Ghana is developing a national master plan aimed at revitalising its poultry sector and reducing heavy reliance on imported chicken.
The Ministry of Agriculture has appointed a consultant to steer the process in collaboration with Agri-Impact Limited and the Mastercard Foundation.
Officials say the strategy will provide a structured framework to raise production, strengthen competitiveness, attract investment and generate employment across the poultry value chain.
The plan is expected to be completed in 2026 after consultations with stakeholders in the country’s northern, middle belt and southern production zones.
Although Ghana is the largest poultry meat market in West Africa, roughly 80% of domestic demand is currently met through imports.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, local chicken meat production reached 60,000 tonnes in 2023, compared with consumption of 330,000 tonnes.
Industry representatives cite high feed costs, shortages of day-old chicks and inadequate infrastructure such as hatcheries, feed mills, processing plants and cold storage as key constraints.
The government in February 2025 introduced the Poultry Farm to the Table Programme to expand farmers’ access to credit, affordable feed, training and improved broiler breeds.
Marine Aquaculture Project Signals New Direction for Fish Production
Alongside poultry reforms, Ghana is advancing plans to diversify fish production through offshore aquaculture.
Flosell Limited has begun discussions with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development to establish what is described as the country’s first commercial marine fish farming operation.
The initiative will use floating circular cages and hatcheries in marine waters, supported by Norwegian technical partners.
Site installation is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026, with the first harvest anticipated in the final quarter of 2027.
The first phase will involve 10 marine concessions, starting in Prampram in the Greater Accra Region.
Marine aquaculture is expected to complement freshwater cage farming on Lake Volta and pond systems by expanding production zones and reducing pressure on inland resources.
Official data show aquaculture output rose from 52,360 tonnes in 2019 to 100,000 tonnes in 2023, yet it still represents only about 20% of total fish supply.
With annual per capita fish consumption estimated at 24.6 kilograms, the country continues to face a significant shortfall in meeting domestic demand for fish products.
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