Ghana signs US$270m poultry deal to reduce chicken imports

Ghanaian officials and several investment partners have signed a US$270 million Heads of Terms agreement aimed at establishing an integrated domestic poultry industry. The initiative seeks to reduce the nation's heavy reliance on imported chicken, which currently costs approximately US$400 million in foreign exchange annually.

The agreement involves the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Secretariat, the Tony Blair Institute, Agrium Capital, Petra Pension Trust, and Axis Pension Trust. The proposed project intends to develop a complete value chain, including feed mills, hatcheries, commercial farms, processing plants, cold-chain infrastructure, and distribution networks.

While the signing represents a formal step toward implementation, it is currently a statement of intent rather than a binding contract. Agrium Capital CEO Rod Bassett indicated that a development and design phase lasting ten to twelve months will precede a three-phase rollout intended to connect with rural communities.